Alice Ann Fry (1942)

FRY, PATT

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 10/23/2011 at 10:20:34

Earlham Obituary Collection
Earlham, Iowa

Obituary

Just a little over six weeks ago Alice Fry was taken to the Lutheran hospital in Des Moines. She was very sick and it was hoped she might find relief from her suffering, but medical care could not avail and she passed from this life early in the morning of December 21, 1942. Alice Ann was the daughter of Elisha and Mary Fry and was born in Indiana. When quite young she came to a farm north of Earlham, Iowa, with her parents, brothers and sisters, and there a few years later her mother died. Sometime later Mr. Fry went into business in the town of Earlham and soon Alice began her work in the store, a work which she carried on for over thirty years. Coming in contact with many people, she made many friends and became one of the best known figures in town.

After the death of her father in 1924, Alice kept on in the store for a few years, but saw the greater need in the home with her sister Margaret, her half-brother Earn and her step-mother, Mrs. Molly Fry. So the old business of Fry and Packard was disposed of.

Much disappointment and grief came into Alice’s life, but when sickness came she was always ready to care for her own. During months of illness she willingly cared for her father till he passed away and when fatal illness came to her brothers Jim, George and Ed she cared for them too. Then when her brother-in-law died Alice took her place beside her sister Mrs. Patt, and lived with and nursed her till death called her also.

In later years her chief concern was for her remaining sister, Margaret, and no doubt the anxiety and responsibility for those near to her over taxed and impaired her health. She admitted her lack of strength but refused to give up till it was too late for human help.

Miss Fry was loyal to her close friends. She loved little children and many of her little friends reached home warmer because Alice saw them well wrapped before they left the warmth of the store. For many years she was a faithful and helpful member of the Rebekah Lodge, a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the American Legion and of the Presbyterian Ladies Aid where she freely gave of her work and means.

Margaret will miss Alice always, as will her step-mother and half-brothers Earn and Denton, also her many nieces and nephews and old friends. During her weeks in the hospital visiting friends heard no words of complaint, only feeble words of a tired and weary sufferer as she passed to her rest and reward. How little we know of the conflict in her diseased body and a heart saddened by parting from those needing her so much. Today we remember only the many times when Alice was her own kindly self and good friend.

Brief services were held at the Welch funeral home before going to the church. Rev. Waldo Reece officiated, assisted by Rev. W. H. Wilson and Rev. S. R. Overholser. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fry sang two numbers accompanied by Mrs. Gertrude Conrad at the piano. Following the sermon the Rebekah Lodge had charge of a brief service.

Note: Burial was made in the Earlham cemetery.

Gravestone Photo
 

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