Obituary of Wanda May Friend

Wanda May Friend

August 20, 1940 - November 19, 2017

Wanda May Friend, age 77, passed away at her home in Washougal, WA on November 19, 2017 with her family by her side. Wanda was born August 20, 1940 in Lawton, West Virginia, and was raised by her loving parents Ruby and Giles Adkins. She was the third of four children, also holding the title of youngest daughter to the couple.  In 1960, at the age of 20, Wanda married John Friend and moved to California to start her family. John worked there as an electrician and Wanda was a homemaker. She had two children Charles “Buster” and Wanellin. In 1972, Wanda and John Moved to Oregon and lived in various cities throughout Yamhill County, where they eventually settled and became longtime residents of McMinnville, Oregon. It was there that Wanda continued to raise her children to adulthood. Wanda frequented the Church of the Nazarene for many years as a young woman.  She briefly worked as a caregiver in at two McMinnville are skilled nursing facilities, feeling it was her duty to give back and care for those who needed it most.

Friends and family will remember her most for her smile that could light up a room, her generosity and giving nature, her love of Andy Griffith and the Golden Girls, her delicious Thanksgiving dinners, and her unwavering love for her family and friends.  At the end of her days Wanda resided with her grandson Juan and his family in Washougal, WA. She reported feeling very blessed that she got to spend time with her great grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them play and spending time with them.

Wanda is preceded in death by her Parents Ruby and Giles, her siblings Giles Jr., Jim, and Opal, her son Buster, and her Husband John.  She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law  Wanellin and Wayne Trull of Willamina, Oregon, Her grandson Roger Luna of  McMinnville, Oregon , her grandson and granddaughter-in-law Juan and Cassie Luna of Washougal, WA, her four great grandchildren Kalina, Lucas, Dominic, and Evan all of Washougal, WA, and her longtime companion and best friend Robert M. Akins of McMinnville, Oregon

At Wanda’s request her family will be holding private services to honor her.