Lavina M. Fry

Lavina M. Fry age 90, of Louisburg, KS, went to be in God"s care on March 1, 2012. She was born Lavina Marie Shepherd on November 27, 1921. Her parents Frank E. and Gloria A. Shepherd made their home on a farm in Hartford, KS. Lavina"s mother died when she was only a few months old. She continued to live around the Burlington, KS area until age 18 when she moved to Manhattan, KS. When World War II broke out she sought employment in Herington, KS at Herington Army Airfield. She and many other women were trained as aircraft mechanics at Kirtland Army Airfield in Albuquerque, NM in civil service positions. In Herington they prepared the B-24 Liberator aircraft before the planes were sent overseas. She rose to the position of Crew Chief. After the war ended she saw Nelson E. Fry at the New National Caf" Hotel in Burlington, KS when he came to pick up his luggage after his military service ended. They married 6 months later in Salina, KS on September 8, 1946. Nelson and Lavina made their home in Burlington, KS where he drove a truck and she worked at the caf". Together they raised their nephew Donald A. Fry, Jr. (DJ) for several years. They moved to Topeka, KS in 1951 where Nelson worked for The Fleming Company. Nelson and Lavina had two children, Cynthia and Richard. They enjoyed supporting Boy Scout troop 59, little league baseball, school events and dance recitals. Nelson died on July 16, 1976 and Lavina continued to live in Topeka where she was a member of Faith Lutheran Church. She worked in many local grocery stores as a food demonstrator handing out food samples to shoppers. She touched many lives with her tasty treats and outgoing personality. Lavina also worked for Safeway Stores as a checker until her retirement. She moved to Overland Park, KS in 1995 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren Taylor and Kendall. She spent a lot of time with her boys " babysitting and chauffeuring them to and from school and activities. She enjoyed her frequent trips to California to visit son Richard, and nephew DJ and his family. Lavina"s mother-in-law June Burnett (Grandma June) lived in California and was also a frequent visitor in Lavina"s home in Topeka. Lavina enjoyed quilts, crocheting and having coffee with the many friends that stopped by for a cup. She also loved following the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. After moving to Overland Park she again worked as a food demonstrator in many KC area grocery stores becoming well known as the demo lady. In 2009 she moved to Vintage Park Assisted Living in Louisburg, KS. She moved to Louisburg Care Center in 2011 where she remained until her passing. She is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson, her parents and her brother Harold Shepherd. She also mourned the loss of her beloved nephew DJ in 1999. Survivors include her daughter Cindy Karrow and husband Karl of Louisburg; son Richard Fry and fianc" Nancy Hahnel of San Juan Capistrano, CA; grandsons Taylor and Kendall Karrow of Louisburg; and many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed for her quick wit, outgoing smile and willingness to help others. She was the wind beneath our wings. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisburg, KS. Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church 5 South 8th Street Louisburg, KS Service: Monday, March 05, 2012 at 11:00 AM Visitation: Sunday, March 04, 2012 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM