Virginia "Ginny" Bland Fry

Virginia “Ginny” Fry, 94, passed away peacefully in her St. Louis home on February 15, 2024. One of three children, she was born September 13, 1929, to Edgar (Si) and Harriet Bland. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Hugh Fry Jr., her parents, and sister Lynne Burke. Ginny is survived by her sister, Cathy Muren: her children Tad Fry, Lynne (Bob) Burkhardt and Dave Fry: her grandchildren Jessica Fry, Allie Fry and Natalie Fry. Ginny was a model of Southern hospitality, charm, wit, intelligence, true grit and a role model of empowered women. Originally from Arkansas, Ginny moved to St. Louis and attended John Burroughs High School and went on to Vanderbilt University where she met her future husband and graduated summa cum laude. Ginny joined Pi Beta Phi women’s national fraternity at Vanderbilt. At the time she didn’t know how much this organization would affect her life and the life of others in such a positive way. In 1977 Ginny started working at the Phi Pi Central Office in Clayton. In 1981 Ginny was promoted to Executive Director serving in that leadership position for fifteen years. Ginny’s leadership style and managerial talents were an incredible asset to Pi Beta Phi. The results were not just a well-run Central Office but also a more efficient national Fraternity. Fair, compassionate, diplomatic and understanding were just a few of the words employees of Central Office used to describe Ginny. Ginny was a role model of the organization’s values; integrity, lifelong commitment, honor and respect, personal and intellectual growth, philanthropic service to others and sincere friendships. As a family, we are so blessed that she helped pass these traits along to family and friends. In 2023 Ginny was inducted into the Diamond Arrow Society recognizing her 75 Years of Membership in the organization. The family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude and love to the amazing St. Luke’s Hospice Services Care Team. A memorial gathering to celebrate Ginny’s wonderful life is being planned - further details will follow via a later announcement. A private interment will be held at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery (Creve Coeur) where she will be laid to rest in the family plot next to her husband, her parents and sister. Contributions in Ginny’s name may be made to the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired at (314) 968-9000 or via their website at under the “Engage” tab.

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Virginia "Ginny" Bland Fry

September 13, 1929 - February 15, 2024