Miriam Friend

SYRACUSE- Miriam I. Friend, 92, of Syracuse and formerly of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday December 19, 2017 at Millers Merry Manor in Syracuse. She was born March 15, 1925 in Elkhart to John & Anna (Leatherman) Myers. On June 5, 1948 she married William J. Friend. He preceded her in death on Jan. 26, 2005. Surviving are 3 children, Marty Friend of Syracuse, Lonnie (Theresa) Friend of Seminole, FL, Lori (Harry) "Rocky" Rockwell of Syracuse; 10 Grandchildren, Amber, Kelley, Mindy, Leah, Bryce, Lucas, Billy, Rosemary, Katie, Anya; 3 great-grandchildren and a brother, Lowell Myers of Seabrook, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Mary Shinn. Miriam 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 5 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 10-1 on Wednesday December 27, 2017 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 405 W. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN. The funeral will begin at 1:00 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 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Miriam Friend please visit our Sympathy Store.

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