Marjorie Anita (Fry) Ward
January 29, 1937 ~ August 8, 2026
Marjorie Anita (Fry) Ward was born on Kansas Day, January 29, 1937, on a farm in Belleville, Kansas, to William Bryan Fry and Orpha Myrtle (Bowersox) Fry. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Nancy Stubbs; her parents; her siblings, Doris Vinsonhaler (Berl), William Fry (Betty), Karl Fry (Shirley), and Eleanor McChesney (Jack), former husband Frank Ward, grandson, Riley Knox, and great-granddaughter, Tallulah Rae Emrich.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Knox (Ed); her son, Doug Ward (Casey); her grandchildren, Justin Emrich (Tracy), Kelsey Bilson (David), Jeremiah Emrich (Erin), Keegan Knox (Hannah), and Braydon Ward; her great-grandchildren, Austin Warriner (Tori), Dalton Bilson, Tatem Emrich (Hunter), Titus Emrich, Croix Emrich, Easton Emrich, Killian Knox, and Grady Knox; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Marjorie graduated from Belleville High School in 1954 before moving to Wichita to attend the Wesley Hospital Nurse Training School, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1957. She was invited to join the very first class at the Wichita Physicians School of Anesthesia, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A.) in 1960.
Early in her career, Marj worked in the operating room at Wesley Hospital and later served as a clinical instructor for the anesthesia school. In 1985, she joined the Wichita Clinic as the sole full-time C.R.N.A. in their new Day Surgery department, where she was affectionately known as “The Chief.” She retired in 1999 following a distinguished 40-year career in nursing and anesthesia.
Marj married Frank Ward in 1958, and together they raised their two children, Laura and Doug. In 1979, Marj met Nancy Stubbs, who would become a lifelong friend and, later in life, her beloved partner. After many years of friendship, the two were married in April 2015.
Together, Marj and Nancy shared a passion for adventure. Marj loved driving their motorhome on three- to six-week trips across the country with their RVing Women’s Group caravan. They also traveled internationally, enjoying Grand Circle trips to Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, as well as a memorable European river cruise. Wherever she went, Marj made lifelong friends, maintaining those connections over the years by sending personalized, handmade cards.
Deeply committed to her faith and community, Marj and Nancy attended Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, where they recommitted their lives to the Lord. Marj also prioritized staying active, attending weekly fitness and water exercise classes, which included classes with the AWSUM (Active Walking Seniors Uniquely Motivated) Group—cheerfully tackling 5:00 a.m. wake-ups for her health.
Known for her immense compassion for both people and animals, Marj cared for many pets over her lifetime, including feral cats around her home. She put her specialized surgical skills to work by volunteering one day a week for 20 years at the Sedgwick County Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. She was also an active member and volunteer with the GraceMed Guild (where she served as treasurer), the Wesley School of Nursing Alumni Association, the Citizen Police Academy, Friends of Felines, and ‘Botanica, The Wichita Gardens’.
Throughout her life, she was blessed with a wonderful circle of friends who brought laughter, love, and companionship into her days. These friendships were a true reflection of the kind of person she was—warm, caring, loyal, and always ready to share a smile or lend a helping hand. She cherished the memories they made together, and we are grateful for the special bond they shared with her. What a remarkable group of women they are, and what a gift it has been to know that she was surrounded by such genuine friendship and love.
Marj leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A funeral service will be held on August 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N. Chapel Hill St., Wichita, KS 67206. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service at the church.
Memorial Contributions In lieu of flowers may be made to:
- Sedgwick County Zoo (5555 W Zoo Blvd, Wichita, KS 67212)
- Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Benevolence (1550 N Chapel Hill St, Wichita, KS 67206)
- Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741)
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
Services
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 29, 2026 11:00 am
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church
1550 N. Chapel Hill St.
Wichita, KS 67206
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Marjorie Anita (Fry) Ward 's name.
Memories Timeline
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I met Marj (and Nancy) at my first RvIng Women Mid America Rally at El Dorado Lake in June 2002. Pat Mitchell joined a year or two after, and we 4 stared RVing together — me in the lead and Pat following my bumper. Back then we didn’t have cell phones or a GPS, but I had found a book at a garage sale that had truck stops in each state with the states in alphabetical order. Marj drove their RV, and Nancy was responsible for finding large truck stops for us to stop, get gas and take the dogs out. We used walkie talkies to stay in touch. On one trip, we did the Upper Peninsula, all of the Great Lakes and visited Niagara Falls. About the 4th week out, Marj and Nancy had a little tiff. Pat looked at me and said, “I think it’s time to head home.” But we kept on going for 5 weeks. To say the least, I have wonderful memories of us 4. I’m the last one left. I’ll meet up with you three one of these days, and I won’t need a GPS or a cell phone. 🙏🥰 HAPPY TRAILS!