Mrs. Augusta "Augie" Bair, 86, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 3:48 AM on Monday, December 23 , 2019 at her residence.

In South Bend, On October 29 , 1933, Augusta M. Wolnick was born.  She was the precious daughter of William and Mabel Jones Wolnick. Growing up she shared her childhood with her older sister Francis.   In 1951 Augie graduated from South Bend Central High School.  As a member of the Central high school band she played clarinet in the woodwind section.  She continued her formal education to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing.

On November 27 , 1952, Augie and Henry S. Thompson were married. They enjoyed over 23 years of life's adventures.  From their union came three wonderful children: Matt, Edie and Judy.  The Thompsons enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Swinging Dudes, the Bridge City Squares of Logansport and the Indiana Square Dancer's Association.. As a family they traveled via RV exploring the United States making many memories.  Sadly he passed away on August 11 , 1976.

Richard P. Bair and Augie  were married on October 20 , 1990.  They enjoyed  23 years  making many  memories.   Eating out at Kristy's of Akron and Jarretys Place of Rochester were great places to relax and enjoy the cuisine and company.  She also loved dining at Dick's Drive In and  Mike's Pizza at Nyona Lake. A drive around beautiful Lake Manitou was a favorite thing to do.  They enjoyed watching the formation of the clouds and observed the American Bald Eagle many times, especially near the Judy Burton Nature Preserve.  Augie and "Bair" enjoyed staying fit and catching some fresh air walking the trails around the county and at Mississinewa Reservoir.   Dick and Augie enjoyed friendly competition of  target shooting.  Sadly he passed away on May 4 , 2013.

A woman of strong faith, Augie was a member of  the Grace United Methodist Church, serving as the director of the children's choir for many years and led the MYF.  Later she became a member of the St. John Lutheran Church.  She was a vibrant member serving on the alter guild, choir director, head of the kitchen, assisting with the church bulletins and was a Lutherann.

Gifted in the areas of theater and music, Augie was a member of the Fulton County Players for many years.  During the late 1960's and early 1970's she enjoyed lead roles in the productions: Music Man, Oklahoma and My Fair Lady.  More recently she enjoyed attending productions at The Wagon Wheel.  She and her daughters loved traveling to Ft. Wayne for shopping excursions.

An accomplished pianist, Augie could play all genre, from classical,  easy listening to music from the "Big Band Era."  She enjoyed shopping at the holidays and purchasing unique ornaments for her family and special friends Christmas trees.  Augie relaxed listening to Johnny Mathis, Glen Miller and the Kingston Trio.  She also owned a collection of music specific to musicals.

Left to cherish Augie's memory are  two daughters: Edie Hisey, of Rochester, Judy Griffis and husband Brad of Tippecanoe; a son, Matthew Thompson and wife Judy of Kenosha, WI; seven grandchildren: Adam Hisey of Rochester, Jessica and Shay Hettinger of Rochester, Justin and Kelly Thompson of Kellogsville, OH, Damien and Abby Shriver of Claypool, Jackie Apt of Mentone, Billi Griffis of Burket, Tanner Griffis of Tippecanoe; nieces Susan Botset and husband John of Talma, Anne Feferman of South Bend; nephew, Bennett Feferman of Pennsylvania; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters.

Preceding Augie in death are her parents, husbands Henry Thompson, Richard Bair, a sister Francis Feferman in 1992, and son-in-law Russell Hisey in 2001.

A celebration of the life of Augusta "Augie" Bair will be at 12 noon  on Monday, December 30, 2019   in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18 ^th St., Rochester. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 10-12 on Monday in the funeral home.

Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231