Judith Ann Fry

Judith Ann {Matheny} Fry passed away on June 29, 2025. Judy was born in Massillon on May 12, 1944 to the late Clarence and Edna {Bender} Matheny. She attended Washington High School with the class of '62. In addition to her parents and stepfather Leo Leaver, Judy is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Larry D. Fry, sister Patricia Ellis-Reichel, nephew Jerry Lee Ellis Jr., brothers-in-law Ronald Fry, Neil Fry and George Reichel. She was a 3-time cancer survivor who participated in the Relay for Life activities and fundraisers to find a cure.

She is survived by sons Jeffery (Sandy) Fry of Massillon and Brian (Michele) Fry of Jacksonville FL, and daughter Michelle (Tim) Kirby of Grafton, WV.

In her early years, Judy worked a variety of jobs in Massillon: Perry Rubber, Superior Meats, MDA Answering Service, Super Center and O'Neil's. In her free time, Judy was an active Cub Scout Leader, Harvey PTA and Penny Social, Lorin Andrews PTA, American Flag Presenter and Marcher with VFW 9795, Canal Fulton. She was an avid reader, crocheter, and will be remembered for her unique card making skills.

Judy began her career at Indian River Juvenile School as a part time telephone operator in the control center and retired as the ACA Coordinator and Assistant to the Superintendent. She had worked hard and long to grow in these positions, and was instrumental in the Accreditation of Indian River in 1999. She also conducted Audits throughout the United States. She was an active member of the Beta Rho Sorority Chapter in Massillon. Following retirement, Judy enjoyed time with her grandchildren Ryan and Jessica Fry, Macy and Tyler Kirby, and Chase Fry. She got to spend some time with great-grandchildren Eric and Adrian Fry. She was super good at playing cards, and loved traveling fishing, gambling and spending time with friends, including summer camping buddies at Seneca Lake.

She was a member of the Eagles 190, VFW, American Legion, the old Amvets 6 and Sons of Herman Club 2. She will be missed, especially by her furbabies Bubby and Kiki.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE Massillon, OH 44646 on Saturday, July 26th from 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m., beginning with the VFW Women's Auxiliary Rose Guard ceremony. Judy will be laid to rest privately at Massillon Cemetery with Larry. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory are suggested to The American Cancer Society. To leave a special message for Judy's family, please visit the guest book below.

To view the service virtually at the scheduled service time, please click here.