Fay Frey, 95, of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love on August 12, 2026. She is now reunited with her beloved mother and sisters, Joyce and Maureen.

Fay was born on December 11, 1930, in Walton, New York, to Morris and Helen Utter Tripp. She graduated from Walton High School, in Walton, New York and Mildred Elly in Albany, New York and went on to build a life filled with family and friendship.

Fay and her husband, John Frey, shared 75 years of marriage. Their love story began by a chance encounter. One day while Fay was coming home from Mildred Elly, John was hitchhiking home from RPI. Fay happened to be in the car that stopped to pick John up. Neither of them could have known it at the time, but that chance encounter would become the beginning of a 75-year love story.

Together, Fay and John raised three children, and now have eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Fay cherished her role as a mother and grandmother and took great pride in her family. Throughout her life Fay enjoyed raising her family and an equally active life. She worked as a government secretary and after raising her family she became a real estate agent. Fay volunteered for many years at The Cancer Challenge and rang the Christmas Bells for the Salvation Army.

Fay believed in enjoying life. She loved dancing, bridge, tennis and golf, and she never turned down an opportunity for a good game. Cards, Rummikub and puzzles were particular favorites, becoming a beloved family traditions filled with laughter, friendly competition, and time together.

Those who knew Fay will remember her infectious laugh, her beautiful smile, and her unmistakable warmth, her smile could light up any room. Fay never met a stranger, and she had a gift for making people feel welcomed. She approached life with a genuine sense of hope and positivity. Fay made the most of every day and made the people around her feel a little happier for having known her.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Helen Utter Tripp and her sisters, Joyce Pickard and Maureen Gage.

She is survived by her husband, John of 75 years; three children, Thomas Frey (Merry) of Ft. Worth, Texas; Sue Frey Martin of Bentonville, Arkansas; and Steve Frey (Ann) of Boyertown, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Fay’s burial will take place in Walton, New York. A family graveside service is to be determined.

Memorial contributions in Fay’s memory may be made to Circle of Life, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 or online at https://www.circleoflifecare.org/donate.