Miriam I. Friend
Miriam I. Friend, 92, Syracuse and formerly of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born March 15, 1925, in Elkhart to John and Anna (Leatherman) Myers.
On June 5, 1948, she married William J. Friend. He preceded her in death on Jan. 26, 2005. Surviving are three children: Marty Friend, Syracuse; Lonnie (Theresa) Friend, Seminole, Fla.; Lori (Harry) “Rocky” Rockwell, Syracuse; ten grandchildren: Amber, Kelley, Mindy, Leah, Bryce, Lucas, Billy, Rosemary, Katie, Anya; three great grandchildren; and a brother, Lowell Myers, Seabrook, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Shinn.
Friend was a lifetime area resident. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, volunteered in the kitchen, helped with the annual Christmas Bazaar and served on many church committees. She also was past president of the Elkhart Bowling Association for five years and was a volunteer at Suzanna’s Kitchen. She and her husband, Bill, were the owners of Friend’s Poultry and Chicken Barbecue for many years. She also worked for Miles Labs from 1944-1953 as an assistant cost accountant.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 405 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart. The funeral will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at the church. Pastor Tom DeFries will preside and burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with her care.
Memorial contributions may be given to the church. To send an online condolence, please visit www.wmzfh.com