Romona Earline Fry

Earline, as she was known to most, a long-time resident of Derby, Ks went to be with her Lord on November 17,  2025 surrounded by her family. Born on December 1, 1936 in Harrisburg, Illinois to the late Robert “Earl” and Laura “Esther” (Gibbs) Smith, Earline married Norman “Gus” Fry on January 3, 1955 and promptly followed him to Riverside, California where he was stationed in the Air Force. Soon after, they started their family and began their military life…following Gus to New Mexico, Germany, Las Vegas, Salina, and Wichita/Derby.

A resident of Derby for 58 years, Earline became active in volunteering for the American Red Cross at McConnell AFB, serving as a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and enjoyed serving her church community in various duties. She also was an avid bowler in the Tuesday Morning Coffee League at Derby Bowl, and greatly enjoyed her water aerobics classes and the Derby Recreation Center. She met many friends that kept in touch with her through the years. She loved gardening, baking, and animals-in particular her own furry friends. Spending time with her family, especially her grand and great-grand children was a highlight of her days.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Norman (Gus), sons, Roger (Belita) of Wichita and Jeff (Chele) of Derby, and daughter, Mona Pounds of Eagen, MN; grandchildren, Alan Pounds, Caryn (Devin) Hammann, Easten (Megan) Fry, Torey (Jeff) Caviston, Harper (Nick) Barkley, Gabe (Biviana) Fry, and 8 great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces, nephews and life-long friends. Preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Carol Joyce Stamper of Roxana, IL.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 23, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Smith Mortuary in Derby. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 24, at 10:00am at Faith Lutheran Church in Derby, followed by a burial service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Derby. Memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Derby KS.