A steel magnolia, a diamond, and one whom will never be matched for the rest of time, Julane R. Fry, first brought her light into the world in January of 1962 in the state of Washington.

Though more than familiar with adversity, she chose joy, fully embracing the task of living, and lived an abundant 51 years, her resilient light never flickering all the while.
After the most courageous five year battle against ovarian cancer, displaying her sheer grit, this warrior angel, in the light and pure love of her Lord, crossed the threshold of eternity in her home and in the embrace of her family on June 8, 2013.

Duane Roecks and the late June McClellan Roecks had the honor of calling her their daughter.

She earned a liberal arts degree from Ambassador College. A resident of Henderson County for 25 years, she was co-owner of A Touch of Class Catering, and then later served as an administrative assistant at Four Season Financial Services for 11 years. Julane shared her culinary mastery with the community and behind the guise of food service, her true intention to feed the soul and to touch the heart was fulfilled.

Upon joining the Links O’ Tryon community, she instantly was welcomed and soon became an avid member of Tryon Presbyterian Church. Though rarely found at the forefront or in the limelight, she was in the instrumental inner workings, a vital cog in the machine, behind so many endeavors for which she would humbly deny credit.

Whether it was band boosters, the Apple Festival Pancake Breakfast, a school project, a church fashion show, or a simple lunch for friends, she did nothing halfheartedly.

A paraphrase from Hebrews 11:
“All these saints were still living by faith when they died…they faced all persecutions and the world was not worthy of them. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them…He had planned something better so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Fry; her daughter, Maranda L. Williams; her brother, Dale Roecks and his wife Laura Roecks of Washington state; and her father, Duane Roecks and her step-mother, Deborah, also of Washington state.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel. Services will be officiated by Dr. Dent Davis. Internment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 11, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and the Henderson County chapter of the Relay for Life. The family gratefully acknowledges the generous support and acts of love on her behalf by church, friends and neighbors.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thoshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.