Ruth Ann Fry, 70, Hays, died Friday, November 6, 2026 at HaysMed.
She was born January 4, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of William Jennings “Jack” and Elizabeth Joan “Betty” (Opat) Fry.
Ruth Ann graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1974 and from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. For over 30 years she taught second and third grades at St. Joseph Elementary and Holy Family Elementary Schools, preparing many children for their First Holy Communion. Her dedication and love for her students and fellow teachers extended far beyond the classroom. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she cantered and sang in the church choir. She loved her two dogs, and enjoyed making crafts with and for her students as well as sewing, knitting, needlepoint, and completing word searches.
Survivors include three sisters Maralene Fry and Anna Fry, both of Hays, and Beverly Howard and husband Tracy of Wamego, three brothers Barry Fry of Hays, Kevin Fry and Lester Fry both of WaKeeney, her uncle Eugene Opat of WaKeeney, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother William “Bill” Fry, and her sister Karen Fry.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Holy Family Elementary School.
Condolences and memories of Ruth Ann may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com