Joan Fry

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was marked by love, selflessness, faith, and music.

Joan was born to James C. Grogan and Minnie L. Grogan (White). She grew up in Clay Center, Kansas, along with two brothers and a sister, and was a lover music and sports. She attended Ottawa University, in Kansas, and was a school teacher in McPherson and Kansas City, Kansas.

Joan and John Fry were married in 1961, beginning a sixty-two year marriage filled with family, love, dedication, and adventure.They began their life together in Oklahoma, started a family in Louisiana, later moving on to Texas and Minnesota, before settling in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They raised three children together, Roger, Heather, and Alden.

Joan built a life centered on family, faith, and her many musical gifts. As a devoted mother and spouse, she was the heart of her household. As a patient, kind and loving mother, she taught and inspired their children, providing them opportunities to grow and thrive in their individual pursuits.

She gave generously of her time, energy, and love, often sacrificing her own needs for the well-being and happiness of her family and others. Her lifelong love of music led to her deep devotion to her church. Joan served in many musical roles, including soloist, organist, choir member, choir director, and piano teacher. She served as a substitute school teacher for many years. She gave musical performances, in senior living homes, bringing joy and comfort to residents through the songs of the 1930s and 1940s, including the beloved works of Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter.

Joan was active in the Federation of Music Clubs, P.E.O., and her church, forming friendships, contributing her talents, and opening doors and opportunities not only for herself but also for her family. Her faith, service, and willingness to give of herself touched countless lives.

Joan was blessed with a loving family, and her family was her greatest treasure. She took great joy in her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her love and influence will continue through the generations.

Joan is survived by her children, Roger, Heather, and Alden; her daughters-in-law, Sheila Fry and Heather Fry; her son-in-law, Daniel Bishop; her eight grandchildren, Brittany, Benjamin, Rebecca, Laura, Alexander, William, Jackson, and Valerie; her great-grandchildren, Runa and Koah; her sister, Janet Bissitt; brothers-in-law, Walt Draheim and James Fry; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Fry; her parents; and her brothers, Jim Grogan and Don Grogan.

Joan will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her generous spirit, her deep faith, and the beautiful music she shared throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the children she raised, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved her, the communities she served, and all those whose lives were brightened by her singing. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.