Ivy L. Fritts

Ivy Laverne Smith was born on May 18, 1924 in Fayetteville Arkansas, the first child of Henry and Addie Smith. Ivy had one sister, Grace, and one brother, Alvin. Ivy was the last surviving member of this close-knit, and loving, childhood family. Ivy attended the University of Arkansas High School and graduated from Prairie Grove High School in Prairie Grove, Arkansas in 1941. Ivy married William "Dale" Fritts in Noel, Missouri on September 7, 1942. Together Ivy and Dale had three wonderful sons, Douglas "Doug", Jerry, Donald Keith "Don," and a beautiful daughter, Karen. Each one of her children went on to be successful and talented in their own rights and created families of their own. Ivy was so proud of her family, and cherished each loved one wholeheartedly. Ivy inspired, encouraged, and supported every life that she touched, especially the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always so playful with her great-grandchildren; Lacey always knew that she had to ask Grandma Ivy if she "could borrow her Mikie" every year to help her go pick out a Christmas tree. Breelyn knew that a trip to Grandma Ivy's meant that she was going to get her piggies painted and Razorback decals put on her nails. Bryson "My Bison" would always bring his stuffed animals for Grandma Ivy to repair. Ivy was a talented seamstress and has hand-embroidered hundreds of intricate and breathtaking creations that her family treasures. Grandma Ivy always teased Ashley and Bailey by asking them where they got their eyes, and they would reply that they had "Grandma Ivy eyes." Ivy had the most beautiful, expressive, piercing blue eyes that always held a mischievous twinkle. Ivy always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and a home and a heart that was welcoming to all. Ivy passed from this world and into the next on October 24, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family. In the 93 years, 5 months, and six days of her life, she played many roles: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Ivy was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Dale, her beautiful and loving daughter-in-law, Sharon Fritts (wife of Jerry), and her intelligent and talented grandson, Keith Fritts (son of Don and Jan Fritts). Ivy is survived by her children, Doug, and his loving wife, Lola, Jerry, Don, and his loving wife, Jan, and Karen, and her loving husband, Gene. Ivy, whom her grandchildren lovingly and jokingly referred to as their "UN-Saintly grandmother" is also survived by "her muppets" and their spouses: Jamie and Bryan Harris, Michelle and Trey Shaffar, Michael "Mike" "My Mikie" and Brooke Huebert, Heath and Tanya Fritts, Scott Fritts, Heather Fritts and Ron Boggs, Joel and Kate Fritts, and Stephen and Amberlynn Fritts. Ivy is also survived by her beloved and cherished great-grandchildren, Ashley Harris, Bailey Harris, Lacey Shaffar, Bryson "My Bison" Harris, Breelyn Huebert, Brandon Boggs, Kimber Fritts, Hogan Fritts, Ethan Fritts, Ella Fritts, Eli Fritts, James "Jimmie" Fritts, Jeremy Fritts, Shawnna Holt, and Trinity Holt. Ivy was a talented musician who could play piano, harmonica, and dulcimer. She sang alto in the church choir for over forty years. Ivy used her exceptional talent as a pianist in the service of the Lord for over forty years playing for the Beacon Sunday School Class at Will Rogers United Methodist Church. Ivy way a loyal and faithful servant of the Lord, and has been a member of Will Rogers United Methodist Church since 1958. Visitation will be held at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel located at 1908 S. Memorial Drive Tulsa, Oklahoma from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday October 26. Funeral Services will be held at Will Rogers United Methodist Church located at 1138 S. Yale in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 10:00 a.m. Friday October 27 with interment at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to follow at 1:00 p.m. Moore's Eastlawn Chapel 918-622-1155

Ivy L. Fritts

May 18, 1924 - October 24, 2017