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Violet Friend
Violet Friend
Violet Friend

Obituary of Violet Mayabelle Hanna Friend

Violet Friend, 95 of Boise, Idaho, passed away on April 19, 2021 of an incurable disease as she was surrounded by family at her daughter’s home.  Violet was born January 24, 1926 in Petersburg, Nebraska.  She was the oldest of 4 children and grew up in Nebraska and Emmett, Idaho. 

After graduating from Emmett High School, Violet moved to Boise with friends. She attended Boise Secretarial School and worked at Foster’s Furniture Warehouse and the Selective Service Headquarters for Idaho.  Later she became the Assistant Clerk for the Ada County Draft Board.  She met her future husband, Gene Friend, and was married almost exactly 61 years.  In that time, they built their own home, had a family and enjoyed watching them grow, owned their own businesses, and enjoyed retirement with traveling and being a part of their children’s lives. 

Violet pursued many endeavors during her life.  She would never shy away from hard work. She successfully orchestrated the management of a family-owned rental complex.  With a green thumb, she always grew a beautiful garden and flowers.  Violet loved bird watching and Scrabble, enjoyed cooking to make birthdays and holidays special, and always opened her heart to help family, friends, and strangers. She had the soul of a young adventurer and loved to travel wherever she could go.  During retirement, Violet found contentment in attending the Senior Citizen Center where she made dear friendships while exercising and line dancing for many years.   

In her 95 years, Violet lived a full life, surrounded by family and friends whom she loved deeply, and who loved her equally the same.  She was the best wife, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother that a family could wish for.  She was very creative, tenacious with all that came her way in life, and imparted so much wisdom to her family, all to ensure them a good life.   

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, and brother, Merle Hanna.  Survivors include her children: Ray Friend (Nancy), Dave Friend (Vicki), and Janice Taylor (Brian); grandchildren: Michael, Jeffrey, Brent, Sarah, Heather, and Elizabeth; great grandchildren: Hank, Owen, and Ty.  She is also survived by her brothers: Orville Hanna and Arley Hanna as well as many nieces and nephews.  

We would like to sincerely thank Dr. Gretchen Kohler for all of her loving care and support for Violet, as well as Horizon Home Health for being angels during the last month of her life.  

Due to COVID, private family services will be held at the Cathedral of the Rockies at 2:30 PM on May 7, 2021, where she was a member. Please join the family virtually at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChmRnLy-M6o4HCZ8h9sPgtA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Idaho Food Bank or the Idaho Humane Society. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian, Idaho. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Violet Friend, please visit Tribute Store
Friday
7
May

Service

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Friday, May 7, 2021
Cathedral of the Rockies
717 N. 11th St.
Boise, Idaho, United States