Mary Elizabeth Cooley Fry, 87, of Hutchinson, died Dec. 19, 2012, at Hester Care Center.

She was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Cunningham, Kan. She was one of four children born to Glen Waldo Cooley and Beatrice Jones Cooley.

She attended school at Cunningham and graduated in 1944. To fulfill her desire of becoming a nurse, Mary joined the U.S. Army Cadet Corps and graduated from William Newton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1947 as a Registered Nurse.

On Dec. 20, 1946, she married the love of her life, Milton Shannon Fry. They were blessed with three children, James Milton Fry and his wife Jean of El Dorado, Marilee Ann Kruse and husband Al Kruse of Sterling, and Timothy Shannon Fry and his wife Connie Schrock-Fry of Emporia; a sister, Eugenia Wise-Moore of Derby; several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition, six grandchildren, Jamie Ann Fry, Amie Kruse Long, Lori Elizabeth Kruse Raile, Erin Shannon Kruse Perkins, Hayley Loree Fry Jones and Matthew Shannon Fry, kept them busy through the years, as they attended band concerts, sports events, church and school programs. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Colton Kruse Raile, Lucas Reid Raile, Carter James Long, Avery Ann Long and Elayna Loree Jones.

Mary proudly served in the nursing profession in hospitals in Winfield, Lawrence, Newton and Hutchinson. She retired after serving Dr. John Mull in the Hutchinson Clinic for 15 years. Every patient who would see her outside the clinic would comment on her sweet, caring nature. After retirement, she was a volunteer for the Blood Mobile and as a "reader" in Hutchinson grade schools. Trinity United Methodist Church played an important role in Milton and Mary's life. They were active members of the D.U.O. Sunday school class. Mary folded bulletins and newsletters for many years on Thursday mornings, but the love of her church life was singing in the chancel choir for over 40 years. Although she has not been able to sing the last two years, almost every Wednesday, she commented on how she missed singing in the choir. Thank you, Bill Anschutz and choir, for lovingly including her in your choir family. Mary and Milton traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, Canada, Ireland and England. Their Good Sam camping club was a highlight of their retirement years.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church, the Rev. Mike McGuire presiding. Burial will be in Maud Cemetery, Cunningham, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jim Rhaesa presiding. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, all at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, the D.U.O. Sunday school class or to the Wesley Towers Good Samaritan Fund, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.