Obituary for Elynor L. Friend

PORTAGE, WI - Elynor L. Friend, age 69, of Portage passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. She was born in Beloit, WI on June 15, 1941, a daughter of Harold and Geneieve (Floyd) McKillips. Ellie graduated from South Beloit High School and married Jerry Friend on June 27, 1959. Together they raised four children. Ellie was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxilary, enjoyed the Red Hats Society, attending the Moundville United Methodist Church and truly loved treasure hunting at local rummage sales, Goodwill and St.Vincent DePauls. She is survived by her four children, Gail (Dan) Russell of Endeavor, Michael (Kris Colt) Friend of Portage, Matthew (Louan) Friend of Endeavor, and Patrick Friend of Portage; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Alice (Don) McPherson of Deer Creek, MN, Susan (Ray) Hyland of Rock Falls, IL and very dear and special friends, Mary Jane Volenec of Portage and Joyce and Gary Cooper of Hixton, WI as well as many cousins, nieces nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry in 2007, her mother Geneieve in 2010, and her father in 1958. Memorial services will be held at the Moundville United Methodist Church, W5501 County Rd. O, Endeavor, WI at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan.16, 2011. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family suggests that memorials be made to the family to be distributed to the American Cancer Society, VFW Ladies Auxilary and Hospice. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staffs of Southern Care Hospice and Dr. Gregory and his office for their very dedicated efforts to make Ellie''s passing as peaceful as possible