Nona Rae Fausett, 89

Nona Rae (Bair) Fausett passed away peacefully March 31, 2026, joining her husband, Clifford Lovon Fausett, on their anniversary date, 73 years ago.

Nona was born Dec. 5, 1936, in Superior, Mont., one of eight children to William “Billy” Bair and Vernie Elvira (Yochem). At some point, her family moved to Idaho and eventually to Wallace. Her father passed away when she was 14 years old and she went to live with her aunt, Nona, for a time in Alaska before returning home. Back in Idaho, Nona’s heart was captured by Lovon and they married March 31, 1953, prior to high school graduation. Over the next six years, her three boys were born.

Nona was a steady supporter of her husband when he suffered several life-threatening accidents. Nona was feisty and resilient and when she set her sights on a goal, she was tenacious. Whether it was nursing her husband back to health or donating hours of her time and skills during the Sunshine Mine disaster in 1972, she sustained her family and community. When her boys were older, she was able to re-enter high school and graduated in 1967.

Nona’s passion was singing and acting. Her love of acting started in Wallace in plays scheduled by The Valley Community Theatre at the Elks Lodge. Reviews of plays often described highlights of her “theater career of playing dancing girls and shady ladies.” For over 40 years, she was a member of Sweet Adelines. She made many lifelong friends through theater and Sweet Adelines. Once she made a friend, she kept them for life. To list all the friends who were constants in Nona’s life would fill the page, a tribute to Nona’s love.

Nona took opportunities to see the world, Thailand, Europe, Australia and Mexico.

Nona was a homemaker for many years, but ventured out as a substitute teacher and was later accepted into the NIC nursing program until life interfered. After the children were out of the house, she moved to Lake Coeur d'Alene, then to Coeur d'Alene North Condos.

Gardening was another passion of Nona's. As soon as she could put her hands in the dirt, Nona would get her garden started. Her love of gardening was shared with and inspired others over the years. Nona was also an amazing cook and started a tradition of making and gifting carrot cakes for Christmas. It wasn't Christmas without a carrot cake from Nona. It brought her so much joy to share her love of gardening and carrot cake with others.

Nona is preceded in death by her parents (Bill and Vernie Bair), her husband, Lovon, her brothers, Alan (aka Bud), Gene, Billy, Larry and Jim. She is survived by her sister, Verna Mae Are of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jerry (Nina) Bair; sisters-in-laws, Barbie (Gene Bair), Mary Ann (Billy Bair), Connie (Larry) and Judy (Jim) along with three sons Lovon (Jennifer) of Spokane, WA, Tony of Asotin, Wash., and Troy of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho.; grandchildren Karen, Derik, Janelle, Andre, Sean and Elise; great-grandchildren Quinn, Luis-Carlos, Julian, Aiyana and Phoenix as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service and family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Memories of Nona and messages of condolence may be shared online with her family at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services of the Silver Valley is caring for the Fausett family.