Iris H Friesen

Iris Huetta (Proudfit) Friesen was born April 28, 1931, to Russell and Hazel Proudfit. In 1948, she graduated from Salem Academy, and the next year, on August 12, 1949, married Wilbur Friesen, the love of her life, who preceded her in death by two years. Iris was an amazing mother to four children and managed both a household and a career for nearly 50 years, working at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem, OR, until she was in her 80s. Iris and Wilbur attended Kingwood Bible Church for more than 70 years, and being the great cook that she was, she provided many amazing dishes for events there. She could carry on a conversation with anyone, making them feel known and valued. Her love for the Lord came through in every conversation, and she served him faithfully. On Thursday, April 27, 2023, just one day before her 92nd birthday, she went gladly into the arms of Jesus.

Iris went by many names—Ike, Mom, Sis, Grandma, Aunt Iris, to name a few. She is survived by 4 children: Greg Friesen, Gary (Pat) Friesen, Dolly (Mike) Harrell, Ken (Karen) Friesen; 10 grandchildren: Tiffany (Mike) Galloway, Jeremy (Kelsi) Friesen, Ben (Juli) Friesen, Nicholas (Lynn) Friesen, Kristi (Joe) Yang, Rocky (Sunshine) Miller, Brooke Kerns, Lindsay (Cory) Manchester, Kurtis (Joanne) Friesen, Stephanie (Kent) Herman; 22 great-grandchildren: Urijah, Kayson, Adley, Ellie, Lucy, Samuel, Clara, Bianca, Owen, Henry, Adam, Tajha, Skyler, Jaden, Iris, Lilly, Madilyn, Sonora, Ashlyn, Devany, Houston, Adalyn; 1 great-great-grandchild: Paisley; brother-in-law, Cliff Friesen; sister-in-law, Leona Hibbs; and several nieces and nephews. Iris was kind to everyone and dearly loved by all. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, OR.