Brenda Dorothy Fry

Brenda Dorothy Fry, 89-year-old longtime Vinita resident, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Aurora Missouri, surrounded by family. She was born on December 19, 1934, in West Ham, London, England to William Cracknell and Dorothy Ada (Ascott) Cracknell. She met John Jasper Fry, a young Airman stationed in England, and the two married on December 6, 1952, in Newbury Berkshire, England.

Brenda and John traveled the world during his Air Force career. After his retirement, the two settled in Vinita. Brenda earned her teaching degree from Northeastern State University, and she worked for many years as a teacher for Vinita Public Schools until her retirement in 1997. She grew up in the Church of England and attended Pentecostal, Episcopal, and United Methodist churches during her lifetime. She was a proud and devout member of PEO and United Methodist Women; however, she was most proud of being the first of three generations of educators in Vinita.

Brenda is survived by her son, John Fry (Theresa) of Vinita, Oklahoma; daughter, Carla Williams (Kelly) of Stillwater, Oklahoma; son, Michael Fry (Rhonda) of Vinita, Oklahoma; daughters, Virginia Swaim (Olen) of Aurora, Missouri, and Rebecca Dixon (Greg) of Vinita, Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents; daughters, Brenda Kay Fry and Carol Brown; and brothers, Derek Cracknell and Geoffrey Cracknell.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 5, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Colette Patton officiating. Interment will follow at White Oak Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com or the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”