Dorthy “Jean” Friend, 95, passed away on August 14, 2024, to be with her loved ones that she has dearly missed.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Abe” Friend; and both of her sons, Randy and Richard Fraley.
Jean is survived by her niece, Cathy Golleher; and three nephews, Terry Kisner, Kevin and wife, Katie Kisner and Christopher and wife, Lisa Kisner; along with great nieces, Cortney and Ameena; and three great-nephews, Shayne and wife, Kelly, Chad and Holly and Nathan; and two great-great-nephews, Kaeson and Hudson; and great-great-niece, Eliza.
Jean dedicated most of her life to serving the people of Monongalia County as the Circuit Clerk of the 17th Judicial Circuit and has served on various boards and committees both for Monongalia County and for the State of West Virginia. She is the longest serving elected public official in West Virginia state history, having served for parts of eight decades as deputy clerk in 1959 before being elected as circuit clerk in 1962 and retiring at the end of 2022.
While fulfilling her duties as circuit clerk, she was able to touch many lives and would help anyone she could. She particularly enjoyed advising newly admitted attorneys to the bar on how to practice law before the courts.
With her love of traveling, gardening, cooking and taking in every stray cat that came to her house, she led a very full and satisfying life.
To honor her request, no service or memorial will be held. Hastings Funeral Home is entrusted with cremation services. She will be laid to rest at Fletcher Cemetery in Cheat Neck.
If you wish to honor Jean’s life, you may donate to WV Caring, 3433 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
