Eva Belle Fry

FRY, JOHNSON, ZELIADT, HUTCHISON, BRICKER, KLEIN, DUTTEE, LONGMIRE, KAUFFMAN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 7/9/2006 at 07:47:23

Earlham Echo - Thursday, August 9, 1945

Eva Belle Johnson, second child of John and Celia Johnson, was born at Dallas Center, Iowa, on August 6, 1870 and passed away at the Mercy hospital in Des Moines, Sunday morning, August 5, 1945, lacking just one day of having lived 75 years.

She was married on January 16, 1889, to George B. Fry, who died October 2, 1926. To them were born six children: Bert, of Adel; Fred, of Earlham; Vivian Zeliadt of Des Moines; Virginia Hutchison of Earlham; and Breta of New York City, all of whom survive her, and Beatrice Bricker, who preceded her in death, December 26, 1923. After her own children were grown, she opened her home to a motherless niece and nephew, Romona and Byron Johnson, and cared for them for several years.

Since the home was broken up, following the death of her husband, Belle Fry has lived most of the time with her son Fred, and wife, except for about six years which she spent caring for her aged, blind mother. The unselfish devotion which she gave so willingly at this time, was repaid in full measure by the loving care and attention given her in her own last illness, by her sister, Nettye Longmire, by her son Fred and his wife Helen, in whose home she was bedfast several months, and by her other children who were near enough to help.

She was converted at the early age of six years and later became a member of the United Brethren church at Hickory Grove, transferring her membership to Earlham Friends church in May, 1922. Here she maintained an active interest and attendance as long as her health permitted. She was particularly interested in the Womens Sunday School class, and the Ladies Aid group, and held places of responsibility in both organizations. She lived her religion, each day, in her own, quiet, unassuming way. She was a charter member of the Marguerite Rebekah Lodge, 233, of Earlham and friendships formed in those early days were always cherished. She was also a member of the Sunshine Circle, since its beginning in 1912, and contributed much through the years, to the work accomplished by this group. She always seemed to enjoy the fellowship of old friends and neighbors in the Sunshine Circle, and rarely missed any of the monthly meetings. The last one she was able to attend was in April.

Forced by circumstances to give up her own home, her cheery industrious nature soon asserted itself, and she found much to make life continually interesting.

Her thoughts and acts were always of others, and her hands were constantly busy, until a few months ago. At different times during the last years she has enjoyed leisurely visits with her brother, sisters, and children, but Earlham was always home to her, and she was always glad to get back.

Hers was a busy, useful, happy life, spanning three-quarters of a century, and lived entirely in Dallas county. The oldest daughter in a family of 14 children, she learned early the full meaning of work, hardship and poverty, and yet these only served to develop in her a courageous faith and optimism that carried her triumphantly through all the vicissitudes of her long life.

Although in failing health for some time, and in almost constant pain and suffering for many weeks, she never murmured nor complained, but was always most considerate of those caring for her, and appreciative of any kindness done her. Her place will be empty and the hearts of her loved ones will be lonely, yet all who knew her can not help but rejoice that her suffering is finally ended and that she is at rest in the Lord.

Beside the children mentioned above, she leaves four sisters: Lucy Klein of San Bonita, Texas; Grace Duttee and Nettye Longmire of Long Beach, California; Lillie Kauffman of Fall Brook, California; one brother, Vic Johnson, also of Fall Brook, 12 grandchildren, including four grandsons in the service of their country, three great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. One grandson, Lieut. Laurence Zeliadt gave his life for his country, last October.

(Burial was at Earlham cemetery)