Kristy Lyn (Grapes) Fox
March 8, 1959 – November 8, 2026
Kristy Lyn (Grapes) Fox, 67, of Washington, West Virginia, passed away on November 8, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family and closest friends.
Born March 8, 1959, Kristy was the youngest daughter of David and Nita “Jean” Grapes. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard “Rick” Fox, on June 2, 1978, just one day after he graduated from high school.
During 48 years of marriage, Rick and Kristy built multiple successful businesses, raised three children, and created a life centered around family.
Their children include Amber Hardman and her husband, Jeff, and Kristy’s oldest grandchildren, Andrew Gill (fiancée Gabrielle Bradley) and Joshua Gill; Kari Geary and her husband, Brandon, and grandchildren Sadie and Maggie; and Charles “Chase” Fox and his wife, Alicia, and youngest grandchildren Hudson and Charlie. Kristy also welcomed bonus grandchildren Lauren Watkins (Kevin), Faith Hardman, Ryleigh Moyer (Chrisstain), and Katelyn Hardman.
Kristy is also survived by her sister, Sandy Cowan (Dave) of Washington; brother, David Grapes II (Dawn) of Windsor, Colorado; sister at heart, Marcie Conley (Steve) of Mineral Wells; in-laws, Charles and Waveline Fox of Parkersburg; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Kristy was proud that all three of her children lived beside her in Lubeck. Four homes, side by side, each with its own busy life, but together, one family.
Kristy loved cheering on her grandchildren at Ohio Valley All-Stars events, track meets, baseball games, and their many other activities. They brought her so much joy, and one of her greatest worries during her illness was not being there to watch them grow up.
Kristy worked in banking before leaving to manage the finances of the businesses she and Rick built under the umbrella of Rick’s Enterprises, Inc. As a longtime member of the Board of Directors for House to Home Day Shelter, she was committed to helping those in need. Even in her final weeks, she and Rick worked tirelessly to complete significant projects at the shelter.
Kristy was an avid bowler who played in multiple leagues. She enjoyed taking their tiny dog, Darla, on car rides with Rick, attending country music concerts, visiting festivals, and her longstanding annual girls’ trip to Amelia Island with Sandy, Marcie, and her friend Sharon McCormack.
For years, Rick and Kristy’s home has been a gathering place for their Westover Estates neighborhood. Their pool is where friends became family, children made memories, and summer afternoons turned into evenings filled with laughter. There was always food for a cookout and ice cream and popsicles in the freezers for the kids. Kristy treasured these friendships, as well as her close bond with dear friend Kay Fluharty.
In May 2025, Kristy learned her melanoma had returned. Private by nature, she shared her diagnosis with few people. She fought courageously, exploring every possible treatment, while family and friends rallied behind her with the motto “In It to Win It.”
Kristy’s victory did not come as her family had hoped, but she has achieved the ultimate victory of eternal rest, free from pain and uncertainty.
Throughout her illness, Rick and her children cared for her. In her final weeks, she was never alone. Every day, Rick told her she was beautiful and reminded her how much he loved her.
The grandchildren will continue to grow. The neighborhood will continue to gather. But Kristy’s absence will always be deeply felt.
Kristy’s family thanks the offices of Dr. Kelli Cawley and Dr. Rajendra Bhati, the oncology staff at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Erin Strcula, PA, neighbor and nurse, Amanda O, and Amedisys Hospice Care, along with friends and neighbors, for their support.
In keeping with Kristy’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. Instead, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of her life on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Fairlawn Baptist Church in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:30 p.m., with the celebration of life to follow at 6:00 p.m. All are warmly invited to stay for a meal and time of fellowship immediately following the celebration.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rick and Kristy Fox Family Legacy Fund through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (P.O. Box 1762, Parkersburg, WV 26102) or online at pacfwv.com/give. Rick and Kristy built their businesses through hard work, determination, and hands-on skills. In Kristy’s honor, the fund will support House to Home Day Shelter and students pursuing technical careers and programs throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley, carrying forward Kristy’s spirit of generosity and commitment to the community.
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