Wilma Friesen

Wilma Faye Friesen passed away on 05/11/2026 at the age of 88. She went home to be reunited with her family that passed before her. Wilma Faye Huff was born in Wilburton, Oklahoma on 05/19/1937, the daughter of Elmer Ray & Walsie Edith Hurst-Huff. She was one of six children including brothers Dee & Sam and sisters Shirley, Lois, & Mary. The Huff family moved from Eufala, Oklahoma to Eloy, Arizona after her dad returned from World War II in 1945. Then in 1947 they settled in Delhi, California, working in the fields picking various crops along the way. In 1954, Faye married James Martin Friesen and in the following years they had six children (James Michael, Susan Ann, David Martin, Carolyn Faye, Elizabeth Lynn, and Mary Kathryn). The family moved to many different states following Jim’s military career and he retired as a Naval Officer in 1969. At that time, Jim started Frontier RV in Merced, California. Faye worked as a Jack of all trades, in the office, as a driver, and whatever needed to be done for the business. All the kids helped out with cleaning and organizing. Mike and Dave both were essential parts of the business, becoming outstanding RV mechanics. Jim passed away in 1984. Faye worked at Rogers Foods for 19 years, developing many long lasting friendships. She retired from there in 1998. It was at Rogers Foods where she met her longtime companion Leroy (Hop) Bailey. After retirement, Faye and Hop joined the Senior Citizen Club of Atwater and participated in many activities, such as bingo, fundraisers, bus trips, etc… Faye truly enjoyed the friendships of the senior citizens that she developed over the years both in the club and in the mobile home park where she lived. Faye and Hop also enjoyed many trips to the local Indian casinos as well as a trip or two to Las Vegas. She always wanted to help people in need and was the first person to offer assistance to her neighbors and local organizations. Hop passed away in 2019. Faye was preceded in death by her husband, James Martin Friesen, her father, Elmer Ray (Eb) Huff, her mother, Walsie Edith Hurst-Huff, her brother, James DC (Dee) Huff, her brother, Elmer Ralph (Sam) Huff and his wife Bernice Huff, her sister, Lois Ann Huff-McClintock, her brother-in-law, Tony Ferro, and her long-time companion Leroy (Hop) Bailey. Faye is survived by her six children: Mike Friesen (Darlene), Sue Friesen, Dave Friesen (Brenda), Carolyn Landers, Liz Moore (Bob), and Kathy Friesen (Ken Kobashigawa). Also 12 grandchildren: Dillon Collins, Jeremy Friesen (Tiffiny), Landon Collins (Sheri) Kitri Friesen, Cindy Wells (Shane), Sean Landers, Valerie Valdez, Juan Valdez, Staci Tilson, Adriana Valdez, Alexandria Valdez, and Erika Valdez, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Services will be held at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home (425 N. Soderquiest Rd, Turlock, California). Visitation will be in the evening on Monday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m.

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Wilma Friesen

May 19, 1937 - May 11, 2026