Obituary: Jean Ellen Friend

Jean Ellen Friend, age 91 of Hamilton, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. 

Jean was born in Millville, Ohio on June 26, 1934 to Walter E. and Josephine S. (nee Kramer) Gaebel. 

On June 26, 1953, she married Albert L. Friend and together they had four children. 

Sister Friend served the Lord in many capacities and most endearingly, as a pastor’s wife for over 46 years.

Jean is survived by her children, Michael (Terry) Friend, Bonnie (Clark) Baker and Mark (Donna) Friend; her 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Ruthann Edwards and Karen Brosman; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Albert L. Friend Sr.; her son, Albert L. Friend Jr.; her sister, Joan Chiles; and her brothers, Roger and Ronnie Gaebel.

This obituary was originally published by Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home.