Jill E. Fairbank, 66, of Sheridan passed away on Monday, November 7, 2011 at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Jill was born in Sheridan, WY on April 6, 1945 to parents Catherine (Russell) and William Wesley Fairbank. She was later adopted by Edward and Ernestine Townsend in 1956.

She was a voracious reader of history and spent endless hours in researching the Fairbank family genealogy back to 1042. She was an accomplished musician and composed music as part of her curriculum at the University of Montana, Missoula, MT. She was an extraordinary artist specifically with stained glass windows. Her magnificent windows can be seen at the St. Charles Catholic Church, Salmon, ID and the North Fork Community Church, North Fork, ID. Her greatest joy was her grandson Mitchell whom she idolized and followed his every move with his Sheridan High School football team. Go Broncs!!!

Jill was preceded in death by both sets of parents, her husband, also named William Fairbank, and adopted brother David (Linda) Townsend, CA.

She is survived by her children; Brent (Cyndi) Godwin, Matthew Wiberg, Kate (Michael) Brown all of Sheridan, WY and her grandson, Mitchell Godwin of Sheridan, WY, siblings; Marsha Prestwich, North Fork, ID, Russell (Pat) Joseph, Indio Hills, CA, Lynne (Buz) Tyacke, Missoula, MT, Charles Townsend, Edward (Barbara) Townsend, and Ernest (Dorothy) Townsend, all of Yuba City, CA, and her faithful dog, Tator. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Services for Jill will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

SheridanMedia.com - November 17, 2011.