My beloved wife, our Mom and Grandma, Rhena June Wilson Friesen was born to (Arthur) John and Matilda Wilson on September 22, 1940 at Swalwell, Alberta. After a lengthy battle with cancer, she went to be with Jesus in the morning of September 26, 2015. She just celebrated her 75th birthday with family and friends.
She grew up in a happy home with her two brothers. She enjoyed her school years. The family experienced mission life in Mexico and also in the Sunchild Mission in Alberta. She had a keen interest in missions, and for the less fortunate, especially children, all her life.
She gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 1, 1953. Her Lord and His church were precious to her all her life.
She was married to me, Harvey Friesen, on May 5, 1961 at Abbotsford, BC, where we lived a short time. We moved to Crooked Creek, Alberta and then to Edberg, Alberta. During these years, 3 daughters joined the family and we made many lifelong friends.
In 1972, our family moved to Enderby, BC where Rhena’s parents lived. These were happy years for us. Mom especially enjoyed sewing, gardening, and beautiful flowers, and we had a few farm animals which delighted her and all of us. She was a lover of beauty. She was a lady who could make beautiful and useful things out of nothing. Happiness was in the simple things of life. She cared for many, and filled many hours preparing warm clothing for the needy.
In 1975 our chosen daughter and sister, Shevta Melody joined our family from India. This was a long awaited joy for all of us.
Mom was a sweet and gentle soul. Her life was not easy, but she believed in the power of prayer and the grace of God.
Our parents’ golden years are a beautiful story. Their reuniting gave them 10 happy years filled with examples of Gods’ perfect love and mercy.
Our father cared for Mom tenderly through her sickness, until her passing. In her last moments, Mom reached up her arms and called for Jesus to help her. The name of Jesus was precious to her until the end.
Looking forward to meeting her again are: her beloved husband, Harvey; her daughters Marion and Larry Wiebe, Shevta Friesen, Mavis and Bruce Schartner all of Enderby, BC, Margery and Vince Lombard of Botha, Alberta. There are eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, all of whom brought her much joy. Also her two brothers, Jim and Marcella of Mission, BC, Les and Margi Wilson of Colima, Mexico; her sisters in law Rebecca and Wilbert Thiessen of Neilburg, Saskatchewan, Virginia Friesen and Roberta McKinnon of Brandon, Manitoba; and one brother in law, Robert Friesen of Crooked Creek, Alberta, and a host of much loved relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite, Enderby, BC on September 30, 2015. Ministers Bob Klassen and Craig Thiessen officiating. Interment followed in the Grindrod Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.
Online condolences may be sent through Rhena’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com