Deseret Morning News, 02/10/08


Laura Clarissa Greene Bair, known by many as "Chris," was the first child born to Guy Hartley Greene and Julia Melvina Sullivan, in Montpelier, ID December 4, 1910. She later lived in McCammon, ID and Logan, UT. A UAC (now USU) Class of '33 graduate, she was an "Aggie" from the get-go with a degree in English and French. She met her future husband John at a dance, and they solemnized their vows in the Logan Temple on June 6, 1934. Those were depression years, and they relocated to Salt Lake City where John was employed with the Quality Dairy and Clover Leaf Dairy delivering milk. After World War II they relocated to the "Butlerville" (now known as Cottonwood Heights) area in 1947. They purchased some acreage, which had a good supply of wind, sand, rattlesnakes, sand burrs and, more importantly, abundant mountain water. People could not understand why they were moving so far 'out there.' They nourished the land and with great care turned it into a showplace. Laura served in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (soprano) for 17 years. She cherished this experience. A blessing was pronounced on her as an infant expressing that, in part, she would be a " ... singer in Zion." It was prophetic: choir broadcasts continue to touch many hearts worldwide. A fond memory of ours was her way of expressing herself in song. By way of example while doing housework she would spontaneously (in her finest soprano voice) sing "John, honey, I love you." She did this often for other family members as well. Sometimes we were in the same room. At other times we were in another part of the house and could hear her singing. We would be simultaneously amused, assured, comforted, and complimented in a few brief seconds. We never doubted her love for family. She has documented that at her "Last Appearance" she would like people to be assured that she "passed away with a song in her heart." Always active in church, family and community activities, she served with John as LDS Stake Missionaries (17 lives were enriched through their efforts) and they also served as Temple Square hosts. Additionally, they were unexpectedly called to visit inmates on a regular basis at the Utah Department of Corrections. Laura loved her heritage, researching genealogy and working with the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (serving as the first Captain of the Brighton Camp). She served as a Relief Society President among many other callings. She home-cared for her mother and father in their declining years: first her father and then her mother, for approximately seven years. Her service was tender and her care exemplary: a classy lady in every respect. Even as she was being cared for in care centers, Laura intuitively felt she was the caregiver rather than the one being cared for. Laura was formerly employed as a receptionist for W. Lester Cannon, DDS, and later for Z.C.M.I., Cottonwood Mall in the textile department. She loved both employers and worked for each of them for several years. A lover of children, and as an empty-nester, she prominently maintained in the living room a chest of toys for grandchildren and guests with children. Calling us by name, she would ask if we recognized that some of the best literature in the world has been written 'expressly for children.' She loved Greek mythology, the classics, including Shakespeare, as well as studies of other cultures and American lore. Children always received books (above their grade level) at Christmas time! Preceded in death by husband John, siblings, Julia (Maricle), Sullivan, and Boyce, daughter, Janice Claire Bair (Embleton), and granddaughter, Julia Diane Jensen (Chynoweth). She is survived by her children, L. Lynette Jensen (Eugene), Salt Lake City, CA; and John R. "Jack" Bair (Kathy L.), Sandy, UT. Collectively they have seven grandchildren: Christian C. (Elizabeth), Cedar Hills, UT; Jonia A. (Paul) Nelson, Selma, CA; Steven E. (Jinky), Desert Aire, WA; Andrea M. Bair, West Jordan, UT; Jeffery W. Bair (Heidi), Draper, UT; and Misty D. Smith, Herriman, UT. There are 22 great-grand-children and one great-great-grandchild. Our family wishes to thank all those who cared for and visited with Laura during her declining years. Her visiting teachers voluntarily visited her in three separate care centers with regularity for more than 15 years. Special thanks to Noralyn Snow, Director at Silverado Senior Living Aspen Park, Silverado Hospice and staff who cheerfully and tenderly took care of mother until the end. We consider their service to be superior to any mother has received. We loved a special key player: Elliot, Silverado's pet kangaroo as well as all the other pets residing there. It is hard to be anything but happy when Elliot is around! Funeral services will be held Tues. February 12, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Wasatch 4th Ward, 8170 S. Short Hills Drive (3400 E). Friends may call at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.) Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. and at the church the day of the service from 10-10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, you may donate to a favorite charity of your choice. Online memories may be left at www.legacy.com
Published in the Deseret News on 2/10/2008.