Eva Fry

Eva Louise Fry, 77, of Moberly, MO, was called home by the Lord on November 2, 2025, with her loving children at her side. She was born on November 4, 1947, in Moberly, to Eugene Earl and Eva Fern (Mordecai) Brown. Eva graduated from Moberly High School in May 1965.
A month later, she married Dahl White of Joplin. They lived in Hawaii for a short time, where he was stationed, before moving to Mexico, MO, where they enjoyed being part of the Jaycees and working directly with the Miss Missouri Scholarship Program. Together, they had three children: Melissa, Jon, and Sara.
In 1971, after relocating back to her hometown of Moberly, MO, Eva married James (JoHo) Fry of Mansfield on December 11, 1973. Eva and James were married in Miami, Oklahoma. They enjoyed spending time at the family cabin at Holiday Acres and enjoyed playing cards and spoons with friends. Together, they had two children, Edgel and Jayme.
In 1974, her mother, Fern, opened The Bouquet Flower Shop, where Eva worked for over 40 years. In later years, after her mother's passing, Eva took over the family business with her daughters, Melissa and Sara, by her side. Eva spent her life building a legacy of faith and love. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and took immense joy in sharing her love of the holiday season-especially by reading The Night Before Christmas to them. She also enjoyed going out with friends and family, always bringing laughter and warmth wherever she went. She had a special affection for her favorite refreshments, including a cold glass of Bud Light on the rocks and a beloved Pepsi.
After relocating to Mobridge, South Dakota, with her daughter, Eva rediscovered her love of dancing-oh, how she could dance! In June 2025, upon her return to Missouri, her health began to swiftly decline. In her remaining days, Eva was lovingly cared for by her son, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren at her daughter Jayme's home, where all her family memories were created.
Eva took great pleasure in watching baseball and football and was a devoted fan of the Missouri Tigers, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. She was a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years and a lifelong member of Coates Street Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member.
Eva was truly the heart of her family. She is survived by her loving children: Melissa Durbin (Robert) of Mobridge, SD; Jon White; Sara Houston (Thomas); Edgel Fry; and Jayme Clevenger (Charles), all of Moberly, MO.
Grandchildren: Tiara Smith of Lakeland, FL; Connie Dove (Joseph) and Randall Smith of St. Louis; Caleb Smith and Samantha Hultz (Tyler), all of Moberly; Kyle Walker (Brittany) of Lacey Springs, AL; Alex White (Tanya) of Callao; Cassandra White (Jordan) of Jefferson City; Mitchell White and Natasha White of Macon; Shyanna White (Alexander) of Moberly; Hunter Howard (Morgan) of Arab, AL; Grayce Howard of Moberly; Aleix Fry of Macon; Jadyn Fry of Clifton Hill; Caleb Clevenger (Morgan) of Salisbury; and Braylin and McLain Clevenger of Moberly.
Great-grandchildren: Joseph of Joplin, MO; Eliana and Joel of St. Louis; Kaydence and Zoie of Lacey Springs, AL; Jaxson and Inola of Moberly; Amelia of Callao; Liam and Maverick of Macon; Elizabeth, Brynlee, Cooper, and Weston of Moberly; Lennon and Callan of Clifton Hill; and Bowen of Salisbury, MO.
Eva is also survived by her younger sister, Gloria Hibdon of Dallas, TX, along with numerous nieces and cousins. Her boundless capacity for love extended beyond her biological family to include Eric Cole of Tightwad, MO, whom she considered a son, and dear friends Wallis and Nancy Landrum.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husbands, Dahl and James; her son-in-law, James Allen Howard; her grandson, J. Layton Howard; and her great-granddaughter, Genesis Riley Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Unfinish3d Pieces or Coates Street Presbyterian Church.
A Family led celebration of life will be held at Coates Street Presbyterian Church, 601 W. Coates St., Moberly, MO, on Thursday, November 13th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 6:00 p.m.