C. Joanne Fritts

C. Joanne Fritts, lovingly known to some as “Connie” or “Joanie”, 78, passed away at her home on Monday, November 19, 2012. At Joanne’s request, a private only graveside service will be held with Rev. Tim Soule officiating. The family will welcome friends and family to join them in Roberts Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 401 W. 11th St., Ottawa, on Saturday, November 24, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM to share pictures, stories and some of Joanne’s favorite food and drink of choice – Angel Food Cake and Pepsi. The family requests very casual dress for this gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Midland Hospice or Ransom Memorial Hospital Mammography Unit in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com. Joanne was born March 27, 1934, in Kansas City, Missouri to Clyde and Grace (Stephens) Wise. She graduated from Ottawa High School with the Class of 1952. Joanne was united in marriage to Ewing Wendell Fritts on April 11, 1952. From this union, 2 daughters were born - Wendy Jo Dickinson and Lori Lea Gentry. Upon high school graduation, she worked a short time at the Franklin County Engineer Office before going to work as secretary for National Sign Company where she continued until 1989. She then worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Clinic Pharmacy until 2006. Joanne was known for her dedication to her jobs and the kindness shown to her co-workers and customers. Joanne’s biggest joy in life was her two girls and grandchildren, Ryan Wade Dickinson and Amy Waynette Dickinson. She loved supporting and attending their school, church, or athletic functions, even when traveling to Iowa or Arkansas to do so when they lived miles away. She has played a very important part in Ryan and Amy’s lives, as well as others who knew her affectionately as “Grandma” or “Frittman”. Survivors include husband, Ewing, of the home; daughters, Wendy Jo Dickinson of Ottawa and significant other, Rick Feuerborn, of Garnett; Lori Lea Gentry and husband Alan of Ottawa. Grandchildren Ryan, Allie, and Amy Dickinson, and 3 special “adopted” grandkids, Todd and Deborah Brown of Ottawa, and Keith Agee of Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa, Japan. And the apple of Joanne’s eyes the last 14 months of her life, her great-grandson Tyden Douglas Dickinson, Ottawa. She is also survived by a sister, Barbara Willey and husband Larry of Naples, Florida, and a niece and nephew of Florida. Preceding Joanne in death were her parents and infant sisters Norma Elaine Wise and Marilyn Jeanette Wise, beloved son-in-law Douglas Wayne Dickinson, and four-legged friend, Muffy.