Julie Skelly Fries

Julie Skelly Fries of Beverly Hills, Michigan died peacefully August 27, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was known for her great smile and her warm, caring personality. Julie had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many.

Julie was born in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Ruth Mansfield Skelly and Daniel John Skelly. She attended Oil City High School and graduated from Saint Mary's College Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She married her college sweetheart, Robert J. Fries in 1954. Bob served in the U.S. Army, and they were stationed in Kitzingen, Germany for 2 years. When they returned to the states, Bob and Julie moved to Beverly Hills, Michigan. Julie took a teaching job at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs until she had children. While raising her children, she earned her master's degree in education at Wayne State University. Once her children were raised, she when back to work teaching adult education in the Hazel Park School System and taught technical writing courses at Lawrence Technical University. After retirement she was a substitute teacher in the Birmingham Public Schools and later a volunteer tutor at the Greenfield Union School in Detroit.

Julie's greatest joy came from attending church and spending time with family and friends. She loved spending time outdoors. She was an avid skier and spent many vacations skiing in Northern Michigan, Colorado and Montana. She also enjoyed playing tennis, paddle tennis, golf and bridge and traveling. Her many journeys took her to 6 of 7 continents. She enjoyed spending time at her cottage on Martin Lake kayaking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Julie was an active member of the community. She belonged to St. Regis Church, Oakland Hills Country Club, the Detroit Saint Mary's of Notre Dame Alumnae Club, Christ Child Society and Otsego Club and Gaylord County Club.

Julie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, Robert Fries, son, Daniel Fries, Brother Joseph Skelly and daughter-in-law Margaret Burke Fries. She is survived by her children, Robert J. (Linda Sue), Annette (William) and two grandchildren Kalyn Barnum (Glenn) and Bryan Fries (Ashley). She is also survived by her four great grandchildren, Thomas, Benjamin, Jack and Lucy along with several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Visitation will take place at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral home 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, on Tuesday, September 2 from 3-7pm. A Funeral mass will be celebrated at St Regis Church, 3695 Lincoln Road, Wednesday September 3 at 11:00am. Friends may visit the church starting at 10:30am. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Memorials appreciated to Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, Christ Child Society, Michigan Humane Society, Oakland Hills Evans Scholarship program.