Dorotha Winger Fry Mason

Dorotha Winger Fry Mason, 94, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away on June 24, 2021 with family by her side at Timbercrest Home. Born in North Manchester on December 21, 1926, Dorotha was the daughter of Joseph Oscar “J.O.” and Lofa (Eikenberry) Winger. During her life she touched others with her faith, love, and joy.

Dorotha’s formative years were shaped by her family, church life, and her summer stays with her aunt and uncle at Camp Mack. Her father was a college professor, preacher, and evangelist. Dorotha received her B.S. in Commerce/English from Manchester College where she married Ivan Fry, a minister and educator in 1947.  Later she attended Bethany Seminary and St. Francis University.  She was recognized by her alma mater with the Alumni Honor Award in 1996.

Dorotha’s compassion for others was reflected in her varied career which included becoming an ordained minister herself. She taught at International Business College and did substitute teaching in the public schools.  She was a caseworker and supervisor for Child Welfare. She was the first director of SCAN, a social service agency in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was a volunteer peace worker in Nicaragua in 1984 and 1990. She pastored 2 churches and served as an interim for others.  In 1988-89, Ivan and Dorotha taught English in Nanjing, China, for the Church’s World Ministries Commission. In addition to being a teacher, pastor, and peace activist, Dorotha was also an accomplished author who wrote two books, “Mystery and Glory in John’s Gospel” and “J.O. Another Real One.”

Dorotha treasured opportunities to travel, as well as host exchange students and other guests from all over the world in her home. She has been in all 50 states, all but 2 Canadian provinces, 24 countries and 5 continents.

Dorotha was blessed to have two wonderful marriages. In 1997 she married Joe Mason and moved to Timbercrest where they continued to travel and she volunteered as a substitute chaplain and chapel speaker until she was 92.

The loving memory of Dorotha Fry Mason will be forever cherished by her husband, Joe Mason; son, Randy (Joyce) Fry; daughters, Kathy (Paul) Fry-Miller, and Rebecca (Jerry) Herder; step-sons, Steve (Ginny) Mason, and Paul (Rosa) Mason; step-daughter, Evelyn (Bill) Kilgore; 24 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, J.O. and Lofa Winger; husband, Ivan Fry; and sister, Mary Elizabeth Young. 

A celebration of Dorotha Winger Fry Mason’s life will be July 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana and live streamed on the Manchester Church of the Brethren YouTube channel.  

Because a variety of people are coming to the service from a variety of places, the family invites you to wear a mask so we can all interact comfortably and safely.

Memorial gifts can be given in Dorotha’s name to Heifer Project International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.

The family of Dorotha Winger Fry Mason has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.  

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