Arlene Bates Fairchild Pike

Arlene Bates Fairchild Pike, 81, passed away on December 7, 2024. She is now reunited with those loved ones preceding her in death. Arlene was born on October 17, 1943, in Zanesville, Ohio as the middle child of what was to be seven children for Eherment and Lena Jenkins Bates. Arlene is the last of the seven siblings to pass on.

Growing up was an adventure for Arlene as she and her family moved often across the United States during her early years. The primary reason being that her father had emphysema and held hope that a new place would allow him to breathe easier. These frequent moves created a strong bond between Arlene and her siblings as they became each other’s best friends. This bond is something that lasted throughout each of their lives up to their respective passing. She and the rest of her family eventually settled in and around Kerrville, TX., where coming together for family gatherings, special occasions, or just because they enjoyed each other’s company, was a regular occurrence.

Arlene took an avid interest in natural health and nutrition practices due to her early health issues. This new approach to her healthcare was the catalyst in helping her to recover her health. She eventually opened one of the first health food stores in Kerrville, TX in 1976, aptly naming it New Life Health Foods. From that time on, her lifelong goal was to help everyone she met to regain or simply maintain their health through the proper care and feeding of the body. Arlene continued her education in the natural healing arts, eventually earning a Fellowship in Applied Clinical Nutrition and achieving board certification in Clinical Nutrition through the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists. She began her nutrition consulting practice in 1981 while continuing to earn certifications in other healthcare modalities. She then opened Metabolic and Nutritional Assessments (MANA) in 1992 with her son, Jack Fairchild, and continued to counsel until she retired from the business in 2013. However, she continued offering nutritional advice and insights to anyone willing to listen up until her very last days.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bill and Jerry; sisters, Erma, Leah, Judy, and Rita; daughter, Bonnie Roxanne Fairchild, who passed on August 13, 1981, at the tender age of 12, and who’s sudden passing was a loss Arlene lamented the remainder of her life. She was widowed by two husbands, Jack Fairchild Sr. in 1986 and John Anthony Pike in 2022.

She is survived by her remaining three children, Judy Charlene Highsmith of Kerrville, Tammy Richelle Bergbauer (Bill) of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Jack Fairchild Jr. (Michelle) of Ingram, TX; grandchildren, Grandon Rieger Sr., Aaron Rieger, Tara Rieger-Brazitis, Candace Highsmith-Korchenko, Skylar Highsmith, Cody Highsmith, Caraline Highsmith-Mannas Braden Fairchild, Austin Fairchild, Jackson Fairchild; 4 great-grandchildren, Brandon Rieger Jr., Cooper Korchenko, Colt Korchenko, and Olivia Fairchild. She also leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews, and their families, all whom Arlene dearly loved as an extension of her beloved brothers and sisters.

Arlene and her children would like to thank the many people who have been involved with her care for the last several years. The team at New Century Hospice, the team at River Hills Health & Rehabilitation, her caregiver Nori Phelps, who always kept her laughing, and four special ladies who were always willing to lend a hand at a moment's notice, Paula Locke, Sheen Edgar, Mary Dent, and Arintha Green. 

A private graveside service will be held. 

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