Elizabeth Ann Friend

Elizabeth Ann Friend, 43, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as a result of a house fire in Sedalia.

Elizabeth was a loving, caring wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She loved everyone around her. She was kind even if she had known you for years or just met you. She had more love for others than many people, as she was a mother to many, not just her own children. She had a big heart for her family and would sacrifice everything for them. She was not a rich woman and still gave everything for others. She was a hero in life and in death. She saved her grandchildren the day she passed, though she could not save herself. In death, she saved another life by giving a kidney to a stranger. This is who she was: she was a very selfless, loving person who sacrificed for others without complaint. We all could learn what it means to love like Jesus from her.

Elizabeth enjoyed fishing, coloring, and spending time with friends and family. She always cared for others, even through work and her daily life. Elizabeth made poor choices as a young woman but worked hard to turn her life around and has made a good life for herself. She spent most of her career being a CNA taking care of others and loved her jobs, she believed it was her high calling from the Lord. She worked as a caregiver up until the day she passed, even though her health issues prevented her from working in nursing homes. Her doctor wanted her to stay off work, but she continued to work because that was who she was; she just wanted to help anyone in need.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her nephew, Caleb Tyler Lewis; brother, James Richard Larkey; and uncle, Floyd Ray Snow Sr.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Lonnie Friend; sisters, Michelle Hall, Anna Miller, Heather Bryant, and Jeannie Bain; brothers, Matthew Louis Heinking, David Holt, Kennith Holt, John Holt, and Jeffery Bain. She is also survived by her children, Gabrielle Noel Heinking, Josiah Williams, Jackson Williams, Vera Heinking, and Antwon Heinking; step-daughters, Summer Vansel and Hope Friend; grandchildren, Brooklynn Lane Charles, Skylar Marie Heinking, Adrian Vansel, Alaska Vansel, and Aubrie Vansel. She is also survived by her parents, Grover Willams Snow Jr. and Deborah Ilene Holt.

A celebration of Life will be held at Kingdom Life Church on March 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.