Deanne Jonay Fry, 87, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024. She was born to John and Viola Montgomery on August 19th, 1937, in Rocky Ford, Colorado.
Her early years were spent on her family’s dairy farm near Rocky Ford. Upon graduation from high school, she attended the University of Colorado, where she met her future husband, Jim Fry, an Airman stationed in Denver with the Military. Deanne and Jim were married on December 15th, 1956, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, and shared life’s adventures for 68 years. Deanne continued her educational pursuits, attending the University of Illinois, National college of Education and received a Master of Education degree, with a certificate in Professional Counseling, from the University of Evansville. She was employed by School District 348, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, for over 40 years. She held the positions of Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Director of Special Education. Dee loved working with students and colleagues and positively impacted many lives during her tenure.
Deanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a youth leader and Sunday School teacher for many years at First Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel. In their retirement years, Deanne and Jim moved to The Villages, Florida, and thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle offered by the retirement community. Deanne loved to travel with friends and family and visited many countries and continents around the globe. An avid golfer, Dee cherished her time spent with friends on the golf course. Her skill, dedication, and love for the game of golf led her to win numerous awards, including Gold and Silver medals in the National Senior Games.
Deanne is survived by her husband, James D. Fry, of The Villages, Florida; daughter, Terri Lynn Edwards, also of The Villages, Florida; son, Kevin Scott Fry, of Canton, Georgia; two granddaughters, Kirby (Mike) Cheesman, and Shelby (Gary) Howder, and three great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Jemma, and Corrin Cheesman.
A Celebration of Life, honoring Dee’s life and legacy, is planned for Sunday, May 4th, 2025. An open house will be held from 1:00-4:00pm at the home of Mike and Kirby Cheesman, 8455 N. 1220 Blvd, Mt. Carmel, IL.
Donations in her memory may be made to:
MCHS Alumni Foundation
C/O Emily Teague
(Envelopes available at the Celebration of Life)
