Greta Ann Fairchild

1936 – 2023

Greta Ann Fairchild passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2023 after a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving family for the last weeks of her life, and was at peace with going home to be with her Lord. Greta was a most beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a friend to all who knew her.

Greta (Russell) was raised in Rainier, Oregon, on the Columbia River. She attended Willamette University before moving to Santa Barbara in 1955 and then attended UCSB. She married Richard (Dick) Fairchild in 1957 and they built the home in the avocado orchard that is still the family home today. Greta and Dick lived in New Cuyama for the first ten years of their marriage, during which time all four of their children were born.

Greta was an active member of El Montecito Presbyterian Church, where she and Dick sang in the choir for several decades and she served as a Deacon with energy and joy. She worked as a Teacher’s Aide at Montecito Union School in the early 70’s, and then was a bookkeeper for Jensen Chevron for 20 years after that.

Greta had a very special heart, and she was loved by all who knew her. Her home was always open and she loved nothing more than to make people comfortable and happy. She was a natural example of how to live with Christian kindness and love.

Greta was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard Fairchild. She is survived by her four children (Matt, Sara, Paul and Andrew), 9 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She will be very greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. You are in the arms of the angels now Mama, we will love you forever.