Erma Louise Frye, age 92, of Caney, Kansas passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at The Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Erma was born on May 11, 1934, in Washington County, Oklahoma to Carl and Beatrice (Trowbridge) Grimes. She grew up in rural Chautauqua County, Kansas, graduating from Peru High School.
On May 2, 1952, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, George Edwin Frye in Coffeyville, Kansas. They made their home in the Cascade Community and became the proud parents of four sons, Bob, Steve, Dan and Mark. Just shy of celebrating 58 years of marriage, George preceded her in death on February 18, 2010. Before retiring to be a homemaker, Erma worked at various places in town, Halligans, Gregory’s, Bus Station, Antique Mall and her favorite Fun Spot, the local hangout for the kids in town at that time.
Erma was a member of the Assembly of God Hope Church in Caney and long-time member of the Cascade Community. Erma loved to sing. She filled her days with taking pride in her yard and catching up with her neighbors. Her house was the one everyone gravitated to for fellowship. You could catch her most days outside tending to her flowers or raking up leaves. Most of all Erma loved her family and the time she spent surrounded by them.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons, Bob Frye and wife, Robin of Council Grove, Kansas, Steve Frye and wife, Karon of Niotaze, Kansas, Dan Frye and wife, Kim of Moundridge, Kansas, Mark Frye and wife, Melissa of Pawhuska, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Jeremy, Sara, Eric, Courtney, Brock, Caleb, Darienne, Brett, Evan, Braun; seventeen great grandchildren; brother, Donald “Don” Grimes and wife, Pat of rural Niotaze, Kansas; sister, Marilyn Miller of Wichita, Kansas; numerous extended family members and many friends. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Grimes, Beatrice Grimes-Smith, Marion Smith and a sister, Carla Grimes.
Graveside Services will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Niotaze, Kansas. Pastor Doyle Brummett of Hope Church will officiate.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers; memorial contributions can be made to The Journey Home; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To share memories, pictures or express condolences to the family online, visit Erma’s memorial page at www.dwbfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville.
