Barbara Ann Fry's Obituary
Barbara Ann Gilfedder was born on October 21st, 1943 in Cambridge MA. She was the youngest of six children, however her and her two sisters were given up at birth to the orphanage. She bounced around through multiple foster homes throughout her childhood. She graduated high school in Cambridge Massachusetts in 1962. At the age of 18 Barbara bought a one-way ticket and hopped on a greyhound bus by herself to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She always said she was somewhat of a rebel when she was young. After finding a place to live she started working at a local donut shop. Shortly after, she met Charles Ellis and he quickly became one of her most frequented customers. One short month later they were wed. Their first child Patrick Ellis was born in 1964, and four years later their daughter Linda Sue was born in Denver Colorado. Charlie always wanted to explore the country, so they traveled all over the United States. As a family they got to experience many new sights together. Her marriage to Charlie lasted 10 ½ years before she and her daughter moved to Washington state.
About a year after getting settled in Washington she met a fine fellow named Earl Fry who asked her to dance one night at the BLT. They seemed to really hit things off, and on August 10th, 1975 they were wed. They enjoyed things like traveling and going out to dinner. Their favorite destinations were Reno and Hawaii. Barb and Earl spent spend 22 ½ beautiful years together until health concerns lead to his unfortunate passing.
The past 22 ½ years Barbara has spent with the last love of her life, Donald Wollum. They enjoyed things like camping with friends, the casino and local pubs, and hosting for the holidays. Christmas was always extra special at their house. Donny would often to sing to Barbara while they danced together in the living room of their home. Although they never wed, he was her sweetheart, and she was his Barbie.
In her free time Barbara enjoyed gambling and she usually had pretty good luck. The Muckleshoot Casino was where she went for Keno, but favorite place was here at the Buckley Eagles for Bingo on Tuesday nights.
Barbra was the most lovely, sweet, and caring person. She was truly the most kind person any of us have had the pleasure of meeting. She had a twinkle in her eye and a warmth to her smile. She refused to be “old” and was always determined to keep up with the crowd, and she did. She was always a part of the fun and never let her age hold her back from living her life to the fullest. If we could all take home a lesson from Barb, it would be that your age is truly at a mindset.
Barbara will be lived on through both her children Patrick Ellis and Linda Randall, her partner Donald Wallum, her granddaughter Sonja Randall, and two great grandchildren Madison and Mariah Rogers who referred to her as “Gram Gram”. She will always be precious to us and will forever live on in our hearts and memories.
Lets all please raise your glass and have a toast to the beautiful soul, my she rest in peace Barbara Ann Fry.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Barbara?
Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
How did Barbara make you smile?