Edna Louise Frye, 96

Edna Louise Frye, 96 years, 5 months, and 5 days old, passed to heaven on Aug. 29, 2012 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare.

Edna was born March 24, 1916 in Clifton Mills, Ky., to Charles and Georgia (Howard) Smith.

Edna and Samuel Frye were united in marriage on Aug. 4, 1935 in Yuma, Ariz.  To this union three sons were born.

Edna was a very caring person and touched many lives. She had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life, along with Johnny, her beloved cat.

Edna and Sam lived in the Gainesville area for several years, on a farm on the Bryant River. They also had a welding shop and were members of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville.

They raised hogs around the Mtn. View area in the 60’s.  They built the Big F Basin Rodeo Arena five miles west of Mtn. View at Trask, Mo., where Porter Wagoner and Tex Ritter appeared as added attractions.

Edna lived the past 21 years in Ava, including 19 years at Red Bud Village and the past two months at Ava Place.

Edna was preceded by her parents, her husband Sam in 1980, one son, John William “JW”, three brothers, and two sisters.

Edna is survived by two sons, Steve Frye, Emigrant, Mont., and Sam Frye Jr., of Eugene, Ore.; and the daughter she always wanted, Elaine Grasher, of Macomb, Mo.; and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service was held for Edna at Red Bud Village, Saturday, Sept. 1, at 12 p.m.  Cremation arrangements were made by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava.

Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.