Lonita D. “Nita” Wood Friend died on July 12, 2016 at her home in Hermiston at the age of 63.
She was born on Jan. 21, 1953 in La Grande to Denver and Nadine DeFries Wood.
She was raised and attended schools in Hermiston. Nita was united in marriage to Leroy Friend on April 15, 1971 in Hermiston. She had several jobs throughout her working years including, waitress, cook, Simplot for 13 years, Big River Farms, East Oregonian newspaper, Short Stop, and most recently for SWRI as a lab technician at the Umatilla Chemical Depot. Nita enjoyed crocheting, sudoku puzzles, and most of all time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband: Leroy Friend, Hermiston, OR; sons: Travis Friend, Hermiston, OR, and Brian Friend, Pendleton, OR; daughter: Jody Miller, Hermiston, OR; brother: John Wood, Olympia, WA; sisters: Teresa Harrell, Las Vegas, NV, Marcia Sailer, Hermiston, OR, Donna Fuzi, Irrigon, OR, Ila Kowalski, Chandler, AZ, and Merri Overacker, Hermiston, OR; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Nita was preceded in death by her parents and a stepdaughter, Cobin Minut.
A family celebration gathering was held.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
