Barbara Ellen (Snyder) Fry, known affectionately as Barbara to her loved ones, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 15, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Bellefonte, PA, on October 13, 1931, to Roy and Emma (Bartlett) Snyder, Barbara’s life was a beautiful tapestry of dedication, love, and laughter.
Barbara’s early years in State College laid a foundation for the woman she would become. She graduated from State College Area High School in 1950, a time when the world was rapidly changing, and she embraced it with grace and determination. Barbara’s journey led her to the love of her life, Wilford B Fry, whom she married on September 13, 1952. Together, they built a life filled with joy, challenges, and countless memories.
After working at Clearfield Furs, Barbara began a fulfilling career at Penn State University, where she contributed her talents in various departments including Agronomy, Dairy and Animal Science, the Pasture Research Lab and Kern Building. In 1993, after 25 years of service, Barbara retired, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter and office shenanigans that would be remembered by her colleagues.
Barbara’s interests and hobbies painted the picture of a woman who cherished life’s simple pleasures. She was a devoted Penn State Football fan, holding season tickets for 30 years, and her love for tailgating became synonymous with game days. Her enthusiasm extended to Penn State Women’s basketball, where she held season tickets for a decade. Beach trips with family and friends were among her most treasured times, as were the moments spent cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events. Barbara’s love of reading, walking, crime TV shows, hunting and fishing programs, all reflected her diverse and engaging personality.
A funny and vivacious spirit, Barbara could light up a room with her humor and infectious laugh. Her presence was a source of joy and comfort to those around her, and she will be deeply missed. She was the matriarch of a family that loved her, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Emma Snyder; her siblings, Louise Zong, Richard Snyder, Katherine Hartman, and Jane Kunes; and her beloved husband, Wilford B Fry. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, Thomas Fry and wife Barb of Boalsburg, Ronald Fry and wife Brenda of State College, and LouEllen (Fry) Michel and husband J. Tim Michel of Lutherville, MD.
Barbara’s grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride, include Laura Fry Wagner and husband Eryn of Melbourne, FL; Matthew Fry and wife Megan of Palmer, PA; Zacharia Fry of Bellefonte; Elijha Fry of Bradenton, FL; Lydia Fry of Boulder, CO; Olivia Michel of Millville, DE; and Brooks Michel of Baltimore, MD; great grandchildren, Amelia and Layla Wagner of Melbourne, Fl. Each grandchild carries with them her legacy of kindness, humor, and a zest for life.
Barbara Ellen (Snyder) Fry’s journey on earth may have come to a gentle close in Boalsburg, PA, but her story continues in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a testament to the power of love, family, and laughter. May she rest in peace, knowing that her spirit lives on, not just in memories, but in the very essence of her family’s lives.