Ruth Irene Frye's Obituary
Ruth Irene Frye, nee Hencke, left this earth to go Home September 20, 2024. Born on November 12, 1932 to John Jacob Hencke and Minnie Hencke, nee Fuchs, in Saddle Brook NJ, Ruth led an active life centered on church, family, and country.
A National Honor Society student in high school, Ruth joined the Navy during the Korean War in 1950, where she served as a parachute rigger, among other things. Not only did she pack parachutes, she jumped them. Leaving the Navy in 1954, she continued her military service de facto when she married George Kirkland Frye, also in the Navy. She became a master of frequent "pack and moves" and an amazing head of household when George was deployed.
After George retired from the Navy, they moved to Florida. When her children were older, Ruth pursued her love of education and reading by becoming a Media Specialist at a Volusia County elementary school. When she retired, she transitioned to a Seminole County Dividend, and volunteered as a classroom helper and tutor, who was in demand among the teachers.
Always devout and active in church, Ruth organized and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible schools wherever they were stationed. When they retired to Florida, she became a founding member Deltona Presbyterian Church. She was instrumental in their charter, organization, and funding. She also served on many committees, but her favorite was the Worship Committee.
Ruth loved her family immensely; her love languages were acts of service and gifting. She is predeceased by her husband George Kirkland Frye, brother Ernest Hencke, sister Margaret Socha, daughter Theresa Ann Frye, and grandson Daniel Frye. She is survived by children David Paul Frye and Kathleen Kemp Aries,nee Frye, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A private Celebration of Life will be held with family on an undetermined date. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Deltona Presbyterian Church.
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