Katheleen Jewell Friend Obituary (1920 - 2015)

Katheleen Friend, 95, passed away in Boise, ID on October 15, 2015. A visitation was held in Baker City and a graveside service was held October 23, 2015 at Eternal Hills Cemetery in Klamath Falls, OR. Katheleen was born June 16, 1920 in Branson, MO. to Truman T. Smith and Daisy Pearl (Moore) Smith. She attended Kirbyville High School in Kirbyville, MO. and went to college at the School of The Ozarks, graduating in 1941. She married Wilburn (Wilbur) Lee Friend in May of 1945 in Springfield, MO. Katheleen was a teacher, secretary, telephone operator, home maker and mother. She retired from Pacific Northwest Bell as a telephone operator in the late 1970's. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, camping, reading and photography. A large part of who Katheleen was is defined by her deep seated faith in God. Until she lost her sight, she was an avid reader of the bible and attended church regularly. She was quick witted with a quiet but always evident sense of humor. Observant and intelligent, she often appeared introverted and reserved but once she got to know a person and accepted them as a friend, the reserve disappeared and she was lively and joking with all she considered close to her. She was not hesitant in expressing her opinion of someone or something, especially politicians. She enjoyed observing weather and discussing weather phenomenon. She often said if she had life to do over again, she would be a Meteorologist. She retained her quick wit, lively sense of humor and sharp memory throughout her life. She was a memorable person. She will be missed. Wilbur and Katheleen moved from Missouri to Klamath Falls, OR. in the summer of 1946 and moved from Klamath Falls to Baker City in 1984. She is survived by her son Rex Friend of Petersburg, AK. and numerous nieces and nephews located in Oregon and the Mid West. Katheleen was preceded in death by her husband Wilbur in 1996, her mother Daisy in 1983 and her father Truman in 1954. Contributions may be made, in memory of Katheleen, to Relay for Life or Heart N Home Hospice through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR. 97814.