Rita Lee Fry

Rita Lee Fry, 66, of Stoy, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, IN following a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, Clell and her "babies", Melissa and Kevin. She was born July 21, 1954, the daughter of Mac E. and Virginia E. (Brashear) White, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Clell R. Fry on June 14, 1974, who survives. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Robert M. and Irene Fry and brother-in-law, Herb Hess. Left to share Rita's memories are her children, Melissa K. Zerkel and husband Loren (Olney, IL) and Kevin Lee Fry and wife Lindsey (Robinson, IL); and grandson, Blake R. Fry (Robinson, IL). She is also survived by her older sisters, Karan Murray and husband Duane (Palestine, IL), Barbara Fritchie and husband Walter (Palestine, IL); younger brothers, Chris White and wife Lori (Robinson, IL), Ken White and wife Bette (Cloverdale, IN), and Matt White and wife Glenda (Monroe, LA). She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, as well as her great-nieces and great-nephews. She also leaves behind a treasured uncle, Jim Brashear (La Porte, IN). Rita was a 1972 graduate of Palestine High School. She then went on to study to be a dental assistant at Olney Central College, graduating in 1973. She worked for nearly 30 years assisting Dr. B.F. Slaughter. After this, she worked as a teacher's aide at Nuttall Middle School. Before she retired in December of 2016, she had worked as a receptionist for Bedwell Family Eyecare for nearly 15 years. Through the years, she also enjoyed babysitting several children in her home daycare. But of these accomplishments, her proudest was being given the title of "NeNe". Being a grandma was certainly her calling in life. Some of Rita's favorite hobbies included reading books, shopping, getting her nails done, riding the Harley with her husband, and listening to classic rock music, but her most favorite thing was to spend time with her family. This included going on Dairy Queen dates, watching T-Ball games, playing restaurant, and riding the Polar Express at Christmastime with her buddy, Blake. In her life, she enjoyed the company of her two pups, Katie and Jamie. Rita never met a stranger. She gave the best hugs and was one of the most selfless and kind-hearted people a person could hope to know. Our hearts are breaking, but all of Rita's family and friends can take comfort in knowing that we have gained a guardian angel to watch over each us. A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, IL. PLEASE NOTE THAT COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE OBSERVED. SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND IT IS REQUESTED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Watson officiating. There is an opportunity to take part remotely by viewing the livestream of her service. This can be done by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. In honor of the pride she felt as an alumnus of Palestine High School, memorial contributions may be made to the “Palestine Academic Foundation”. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.