Ruth Ann Frieze, 74, was born June 23, 1942, and passed away January 22, 2017, in Springfield, MO. She was the daughter of Marvin and Mary Lois (Lean) Hembree, and was raised in Stockton, MO.
Ann graduated from high school in 1961. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia from 1960-1961.
She married Billy Joe Frieze on June 11, 1961, in Stockton, MO, and moved to Springfield, MO, in December, 1961. Joe and Ann were married for 53 years.
She was employed by Second Baptist Church for 30 years, retiring in 2007. Ann started the Little World of Learning Preschool at Second Baptist Church, later becoming the Second Baptist Child Development Center. During her time at Second, she served in the roles as Preschool Director, Children’s Minister, Minister of Missions, and finally, Minister of Senior Adults, before retiring. Ann enjoyed traveling all over the world. She made several mission trips to Africa, Mexico, and Russia.
She was a member of Second Baptist Church for 44 years and Lydia’s Faith Sunday School class. Her Sunday school class was very special to her and a group she relied on for strength and support.
Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved family events and holidays. Ann loved games and was very competitive. This is a trait she passed on to her grandchildren, coaching them this past Christmas in the finer points of Monopoly.
Ann had an adventurous spirit, whether it was volunteering for her children’s activities, vacationing with her family, serving as a chaperone on youth trips, or traveling with Mission teams.
She is survived by her four children: Andrea (Alan) Lyttle of Blue Springs, MO; John (Kim) Frieze of Olathe, KS; Beth (Kalon) Mitchell of Nixa, MO; William (Deborah) Frieze of Seattle, WA. ; eight grandchildren: Andrew Lyttle, Patrick Mitchell, Zachary, Kathryn and Megan Frieze; Elizabeth, Amelia and Grace Frieze; sister-in-laws Jean (Tip) Box, St. Peter’s MO, Connie McElyea, Wichita, KS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
The family would like to thank her friends and neighbors for their continuous support over the past several years, as well as Dr. Paul Freiman and Dr. Susan Woody for their compassionate care and dedication.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Ann Frieze Memorial Fund for Missions at Second Baptist Church, 3111 E. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65804.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 27, 10:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 3111 E. Battlefield, Springfield, MO. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Stockton City Cemetery.