Patricia ""Patsy"" Friend

Patricia Ann McNeel Friend, 91, died April 30, 2015, in Denver following complications from a fall. Born in Charleston, Illinois, to Lafayette Craig McNeel and Ida Seeley Painter McNeel, she spent much of her childhood in Cross Plains, Texas. Patsy, as she was known, received a degree in Home Economics from North Texas State and taught briefly in Texas. Through an aunt, she met George Ellis Friend of Denver, married him in 1948 in Cross Plains and lived with him in Denver for the 66 years of their marriage. George preceded her in death in 2014. During her lifetime, Patsy volunteered for St. Joseph Hospital and enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors under the guise of ""sewing club"" and ""gourmet group."" The eldest Friend child, Dianne Friend Lowe, died in 2008. Patsy is succeeded by five surviving children and their spouses; Dianne's widower, Gary Lowe of LaGrange, Georgia; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Children include: Joan Friend of Denver; Damian and Wendy (Comeaux) Friend of Parker; Lisa Friend of Denver; Stephen and Heather (Tomlinson) Friend of Denver; and Nancy (Friend) and Russell Hoffman of Westminster. Visitation, Wednesday, May 6, 6 pm, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd. Private burial, Friday at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial Mass, Friday, May 8, 11:30 am, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 4900 Montview Blvd,. Denver. Reception to follow. Donations may be made in Patsy's name to the Cross Plains Fire Department, 116 SW 2nd Street, Cross Plains, TX 76443 or Cross Plains Public Library, 149 N. Main Street, Cross Plains, TX 76443. Please visit the guestbook link below to share memories and condolences with Patsy's family.