Betty Marlene Fry passed from this life on Friday, October 16 in Springfield, Missouri. We, her children and grandchildren, were very fortunate to share the last weeks of her life at her side.
Marlene was born on September 28, 1937 to Charles Leroy and Irma (Trogdon) Abney at their home in Springfield, the youngest of five children. She was always proud of her childhood involvement with Campfire Girls, even earning the distinction of Campfire Candy Queen.
Throughout her life, Marlene had two passions: her family and quilting. She raised her three children and helped raise three stepchildren, and went above and beyond as a grandmother. With the birth of her first great-grandchild, she became known as Granny Pie. She hand-sewed dozens of quilts throughout her life, masterpieces made with hands and heart, and we who love her most consider them our greatest treasures.
She made her living as a beautician, working at and owning several beauty shops over the years, including Don's Styling Salon, Mrs. Jim's Styling Salon, Cuttery and Co., and, with her daughter, Marlene and Debra's Hair Designs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles Leroy Abney, Jr., her sister Frances Pauline Abney DeMate, her nephew Donald DeMate, and a niece Mitzi Abney. She is survived by two brothers, William Abney and his wife Linda of Springfield, MO; Jesse Abney and his wife Margaret of Willard, MO; her three children, Debra Robbins Parrish of Springfield, MO; Randy Fry and his wife Tassilyn, of Battlefield, MO; Valerie Fry of Springfield, MO; six grandchildren Rhiannon Strick and her husband Eric of Ozark, MO and their two children Braxton and Bella; Jasmine Cloud and her husband Nick of Grain Valley, MO and their daughter Marina; James Fry of Springfield, MO; Devin Parrish of Springfield, MO; and Julianna and Josie Fry of Battlefield, MO. She is also survived by two nieces, Anne Grant and her husband Kelly of Bolivar, MO; and Melody Huffman and her husband Ron of Joplin, MO, and by her dear cousin William Trogdon, the author known as William Least Heat Moon.
Marlene's family would like to extend a special thank you to Wilson's Creek Nursing Home for their excellent care during her last weeks.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, October 21 at 2:00 pm at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at White Chapel, 5234 W State Highway EE (Division), Springfield, MO, with burial immediately following at Clear Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made to www.klingnerfuneralhome.com