Harriett Grattan Frye, 98, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 10, 2011. Born in Wapello, Iowa to Ralph and Grace Grattan, she was raised in Woodland, Calif., and lived most of her life in the Sacramento area. As her father had a car dealership, Harriett began driving at a very early age and often assisted her father in moving cars. She was issued a California Lifetime Driver’s license at the age of 14.
Harriett married Boots (Carmen L.) Niemann from Winters, Calif., in 1936 in Sacramento. They had two sons, David and Stephen. When they were 17 and 14, Harriett (at the age of 42) and Boots were blessed with twin daughters, Kathy and Kristy. Harriett was considered a “wonder woman” as she returned to work after the girls were born, while caring for her new babies, her young adult sons, her husband, all the while successfully maintaining the family home and her work in the community and church activities. She worked as an elementary secretary for the Sacramento School District for the next 15 years.
Sadly, after 41 years together, Boots died in 1977. Several years later, in 1982, Harriett married Ted Frye, who had been a longtime family friend. They had a wonderful 10 years together until Ted’s death in 1992. Harriett eventually moved into a retirement community in Sacramento. In 2000, she made the move to Oak Harbor to be near her daughter, Kathy. She first settled at Summer Hill Retirement Home, then in to Regency, and finally to Harbor Care.
Harriett was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Sacramento, and also of Oak Harbor, and a life member of the Eastern Star, also of Sacramento. She loved doing handiwork, including knitting, crocheting and sewing. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to many destinations including the British Isles and Hawaii. She was very social and enjoyed bridge, reading and performing volunteer work at church and also at the library at Regency. Harriett’s first love was her family. She was proud of all of their achievements and successes.
Harriett is survived by five children and their spouses: David and Eleanor Niemann of Santa Clara, Calif.; Stephen and Brenda Niemann of Folsom, Calif.; Kristy and Chuck Stanton of Anacortes; Kathy and Gary Shelly of Oak Harbor; and Kathy and Sam Kieth of Pollock Pines, Calif. A nephew and his wife, Roger and Muriel Fry, along with nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren also survive.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the attentive staff of Regency, and especially, of Harbor Care, for the kindness and sensitivity shown to Harriett throughout her stay.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. at Living Hope New Covenant Church, Coupeville, with Ray Shelly, Harriett’s grandson, officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn, Sacramento. Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
