Rudean Fairman

Rudean Roth Fairman, age 92, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at her home surrounded by family. 

Rudean “Deane” Roth was born on December 22, 1930 with twin sister Roberta to Rudolph W. Roth and Veldean Dexter Vrooman in Charlotte, MI. The twins were the youngest of five girls. Rudean was raised in Bay City, MI where her father was Pastor of the First Congregational Church until his death in 1941. Her mother returned for an M.S. degree at University of Michigan in order to raise her girls and secure a position as Dean at Bay City High School. 

Rudean was an active and artistic person from the start. She played piano and the bass violin at Interlochen Center for the Arts summer camp. Later she played bass in an all girls’ band while attending Western Michigan University, where she received her B.A. in Education. Rudean was an avid seamstress who made many of her own clothes as well as ones for her daughters. She dabbled in painting, loved decorating her homes, and enjoyed reading and keeping up with worldly issues. 

During the summer of 1951, Rudean worked as a waitress for Harbor Point Club, Harbor Springs, MI. While walking the beach, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Philip Fairman who was a summer chauffeur for John Blodgett. It was love at first sight. Bob was attending Michigan State University, and after they both graduated in 1952, Bob served in the Air Force, and Deane taught elementary school in Bob’s hometown of Lansing. Rudean and Bob were married in a double wedding with her twin sister Roberta to Wilfred Gephart in 1953. 

Rudean and Bob had a storybook romance lasting 71 years. Due to Bob’s advancing accounting career, they lived in several locations, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Akron and Cleveland, before returning to Grand Rapids in 1984, where Bob became partner with the investment firm of Norris, Perne & French. Rudean was active in every new community, serving in leadership roles for the Girl Scouts, churches, hospital guilds, and the arts. She had a keen eye for beauty, which was evidenced in her sense of style and decor. She was a gracious host, always providing warmth and a welcoming spirit. 

In later life, Rudean and Bob traveled the world with friends and cherished many deep and lasting friendships. In 2012, they blessed their children and spouses with a special trip to Ireland. Rudean and Bob also enjoyed a winter home in Venice, FL, and a cabin on the Little Manistee River, which served as a family anchor since 1966. The cabin provided a gathering place for family and friends to enjoy kayaking, fly fishing, cross country skiing, eating grandma and grandpa’s homemade ice cream and so much more. Rudean especially loved to walk and to be outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature. Rudean and Bob would tell you that they had a rich and fulfilling life with no regrets. 

Rudean had a deep faith in God. She loved life but was ready to go to her heavenly home, particularly since her beloved Bob preceded her in death by a mere 39 days. Rudean and Bob celebrated 70 years of marriage this past June. Fittingly today they’re together in eternity. 

Rudean was preceded in death by her husband Robert Fairman (2023); mother Veldean Roth (1998); father Rudolph Roth (1941); and sisters Betty Roth (1930); Barbara Holcomb (2013); Roberta (Gephart) Rogers (2021); and Virginia Rayburn (2021). 

Rudean is survived by her four children Rob (Cathy) of Bakersfield, CA, Nancy (David Voges) of Traverse City, MI, Kate Fairman (Bill Queen) of Cedar, MI, and Jen (David Kirchgessner) of East Grand Rapids, MI. Rudean and Bob have been blessed with 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held for both Rudean and Bob at Mayflower Congregational Church in Grand Rapids at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024. 

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider a donation to the Grand Rapids Symphony, or the charity of your choice. 

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