Evelyn Friel

(From Ferry Funeral Home)

Evelyn Friel, age, 94, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab in Jefferson City, MO. Evelyn, the youngest of seven children, was born on March 9, 1926 in Thedford, NE, the daughter of Hugh Elliott and Mary Cordis Elliot.

Evelyn married John Thomas “Johnny” Friel on May 11, 1943 in Seneca, NE. The couple spent a short time in Brownsville, TX before Johnny was shipped overseas. Evelyn returned to Nebraska to be closer to family and their first child was born before Johnny returned from the service. 

After the war Evelyn and Johnny lived in the Nebraska Sandhills before moving their family to Missouri in December of 1956. Evelyn and Johnny lived in a number of communities in the Nevada area before buying a home south of Nevada. Evelyn owned and operated the Rainbow Nursery for over 30 years. Childcare, especially infants, was her specialty. Evelyn cared for many “second” generations of children.

Evelyn enjoyed playing cards, Triominos, and reading. Many happy weekends were spent at Stockton Lake, hosting family dinners and swimming in the backyard pool. Evelyn also enjoyed quilting, with many stitches being sewn while the daycare children napped. Evelyn moved to Jefferson City during her last years to ensure Jeff was well established within the community before her passing.

Survivors include her children, John (Edith) Friel, Belton, MO, Judy (Tom) Ayers, Lamar, MO, Jim (Joan) Friel, Simpsonville, SC, Jerry (Jill) Friel, Asbury, MO, Joleen (Robert) Lieneke, Jefferson City, MO and Jeff Friel, Jefferson City, MO; 19 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny; her parents; one daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Dennis Thomas; one brother; five sisters; and one great grandson.

Visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 with funeral services to follow at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Father Peter Savidge officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Parks Special Populations Program, 1299 Lafayette St., Jefferson City, MO, 65101 or in c/o Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.