Carmen Kay Fry

She was born on May 23, 1962 in Owosso, MI. In her youth, Carmen loved to show her horse Duchess at the fair and local horse shows. Carmen was very musical and played five instruments. She traveled to Hawaii with her Leslie High School band. Also, she was invited into a Special nationwide band for a couple years. Carmen graduated from Mason High School in 1980. Later, Carmen attended a demolition derby with her mother at the County Fair, where Carmen became interested in racing, which led her to start a racing career in 1990.  In 1992, she had her first feature win at Spartan Speedway!  Later she won the Street Stock at Spartan Speedway Season Championship and many other wins and trophies over the years! As a successful female driver, she was always a fan favorite with cheers greeting her as she came on the track.

Her first “real job” started as a school bus driver, however her love for cars led her to change careers. She  began working at car dealerships: first at Snethkamp Chrysler, then at Buz Sawyer Pontiac where she worked as a service writer and received a special Accommodation and recognition for her excellent work. Later, she worked at Williams Auto World as a warranty manager and at Alma Buick as a shop foreman.  On the side, Carmen owned and operated a small auto mechanic repair and detail service known as Carmen's Enterprises.

Later due to Carmen's love for the up north she moved to Houghton Lake and worked as a Summer Park Ranger at Higgins Lake State Park. Carmen also opened a successful lawn care and landscaping business. Carmen was very talented and excelled in everything she put her mind to.

She became a member of the Nazarene Church at Houghton Lake. Carmen had a heart to help hurting and needy people ... so she helped with her churches out reach ministry to shut-ins, taking her home made soup to them. And helping with puppet shows at nursing homes. She also delivered food baskets. At one point Carmen brought a homeless family of seven into her own home until they could get help. Sadly, due to a bad fall resulting in a broken back, Carmen had to close her business in 2008. Then with continuing decline in health, Carmen moved to Eaton Rapids in 2017 to be closer to family.

Carmen was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Elsenheimer; her grandparents, Emma and William Elsenheimer and June and Leo Fountain; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Surviving is Carmen’s mother Annetta Sylvester / Elsenheimer and her stepmother Julie Elsenheimer. Also Her son Nathan Fry and his wife Jewl and Carmen’s grandchildren, Blake, Brody, and BayLynn. Also many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a long time close friend of Carmen’s , Tom VanHorn.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the fall.

You may leave a message to the family on the Gorsline web page. In lieu of flowers, and in a reflection of Carmen’s love for helping others a memorial contribution can be made to the Lansing City Rescue Mission / Shelter for Women and Children, 2216 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI  48911.

Please put in memory of Carmen Fry on check or go to their website bearescuer.org