Terry Lynn Frye

When reflecting on the life of Terry Frye, words such as hardworking, compassionate, and fun-loving come to mind, however, perhaps the word that most accurately paints the picture of who she was is selfless. She was deeply devoted to others, and even as she faced trials of her own her focus was always on everyone else. Terry took her roles as a wife and mother to heart, however, she truly sparkled as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active part of the community she loved, and with her warm heart and genuine concern for others, she drew others near with ease. Life will never be the same without Terry here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

It seems only fitting that Terrys journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when televisions were becoming part of our homes, James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen, and shows like I Love Lucy transformed how we viewed the typical family. It was just as this decade was dawning that Kenneth J. and Wanda Lou (Grable) Rock were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as fall appeared on the horizon in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, in September of 1950. The big day arrived on September 11th when the baby girl they named Terry Lynn drew her first breath. Raised in the family home in Columbia City, Terry loved tap dancing and was also on the cheer block at school. She attended local schools including Columbia City Joint High School. At a very young age, Terry developed rheumatic fever and became very ill, fighting for her life. Although she recovered, this experience would become important as she developed multiple sclerosis as an adult.

She was as a sophomore in high school when Terry met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. He was a senior named John David Frye, and they began dating. Among the things they loved to do was playing miniature golf in North Webster, dancing, and going to the drive-in theaters. Their love grew, and Terry and John were married on September 30, 1967, at her church, St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. She went on to graduate from high school in 1968. Although he wasnt raised Catholic, John became Catholic as an adult. The newlyweds spent a few years living in South Whitley before making Columbia City their permanent residence. Terry and John welcomed two children including Angela and David into their hearts and home. She treasured her family and was actively involved in the lives of her husband and children. Terry was there to support her husband and his coaching of their children, but she was also there to cheer them all on. As a mother she was there for her children, but she also let reality take its course when needed to allow their children to learn from the mistakes they made.

In addition to caring for her family, Terry spent five years working at Johns familys store, Fryes Grocery in Merriam. From there she spent 17 years working at Peoples Federal Bank in Columbia City, retiring in 1997. Although she started as a teller there, through hard work and dedication she moved up into the position of Vice President and Assistant Branch Manager.

Over the years Terrys family grew to include grandchildren, and she couldnt have been more excited. She truly cherished them, and it was easy to see that they were her entire world. Terry always put her family first and foremost, and she sacrificed whatever was necessary to do so. Just as she had been with her own children, she was there to support her grandchildren in all of their events and activities. It was not uncommon for Terry to pick up her grandchildren just to spend time with them on her Thursday afternoons off from the bank.

In addition to being with her family, Terry enriched her life in other ways as well. In addition to being a lifelong member of St. Paul the Cross Catholic Church, she was a member of Jaycees and chaired the Junior Miss Pageant one year. In keeping with her social nature, Terry enjoyed having lunch at Big Gs and talking with everyone in the restaurant, of course. She loved playing cards, especially euchre whether she was playing with her family, her friends at the Woodlands Senior Center in Columbia City, or at Millers at Oak Point. While living in the nursing home for the past year, Terry took advantage of several of the activities that they offered. This past Valentines Day, she was so excited to be awarded the Valentines Day Queen of the Year at Millers at Oak Point. Terry did puzzles, made crafts, and crocheted both Christmas tree skirts and blankets for family members.

As she battled with multiple sclerosis later in life, John tenderly cared for Terry as her health declined and she faced more complications. Despite her own struggles, she never complained and was always concerned with everyone else.

The kind of woman who brought the world around her to life, Terry Frye was a blessing in the lives of everyone she met. She was dynamic, amazing, and loving, and her zest for life was truly contagious. Although she will be deeply missed, Terry leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Terry Lynn Frye, 65, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 7:37 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Terrys family includes her loving husband of 48 years, John Frye; father, Kenneth (Joan) Rock, of Columbia City; daughter, Angie (Scott) Shoda, of Columbia City; son, Dave (Heather) Frye, of Naples, FL; brothers, Tom (Laura) Rock, of LaPorte and Kevin Rock, of Columbia City; step-brothers, Ken(Gwen) Wolf and Jim (Mary) Wolf, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Josh, Jenny, Rachel, Jessica, Landan, Lucas, Tim, Ellie, Natalie; and great-grandchildren, Gabe, Eli, Jadyn, Joseph, Kyle, Erick, Kelsey, Jackson, Rolande along with another great-granddaughter on the way any day. Terry was preceded in death by her mother, Wanda Lou Rock; and step-brother, Gary Wolf.

Visitation is Friday, April 15, 2016, from 3-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a Rosary at 2:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 S Line St, Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. Father Gary Sigler will be officiating. Burial to follow at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery. With the impact of all the activities that were offered to Terry, memorial gifts may be given in her memory to the Activities Department at Millers at Oak Point. To send her family online condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com .