Frey, Adelia Klassen (1921-2008)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2008 Aug 18 p. 13

Birth date: 1921 Mar 14

text of obituary:

ADELIA FREY

Adelia Frey, 87, of North Newton, Kan., died Aug. 4, 2008, at Kidron Bethel Village. She was born March 14, 1921, to Frank H. and Katherine (Krause) Klassen in Hillsboro.

She married Edward H. Frey on Jan. 14, 1972, at First Mennonite Church of Newton. He preceded her in death on Jan. 21, 1989.

She spent her childhood in Lehigh and Elbing, Kan., as well as in Texas. When she was 7, the family moved to Newton. In 1936, she was baptized and became a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton.

A devoted student of the Bible, she served as church librarian, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school. Friendships formed through the Dorcas Sunday School Class added much joy to her life.

As a young woman, she worked in a variety of jobs, including a short term of voluntary service in Hamilton, N.Y., among migrant workers. In 1952 she began a 33-year career as secretary/receptionist at Mennonite Weekly Review. She was a member of the National Secretaries Association.

After retirement, she did extensive volunteer work at the Etcetera Shop and Mennonite Central Committee.

Survivors include a sister, Myrta Bartel of Hillsboro; a stepson, Marlin Frey and his wife, Deane, of Newton; two stepdaughters, Earla Critchfield of Hesston and Nyla Chambers and her husband, Duane, of Wichita; a stepdaughter-in-law, Luetta Frey of Goessel; four nephews, Ronald Bartel and his wife, Brenda, Marlin Bartel and his wife, Cheryl, Douglas Bartel and his wife, Pam, and Bradley Bartel and his wife, Rita, all of Hillsboro; a niece, Kathleen Zimmerman and her husband, Joe, of Harper; and numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward; and a stepson, Raymond Frey.

Funeral services were held at First Mennonite Church of Newton. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.