Sue Friede, 85, Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. She was born on March 1, 1939, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Wilson Harvey Smith and Drettie Mae (Clifton) Smith. Sue was the last surviving child of 11, she had 7 brothers and 3 sisters.
Sue grew up in the rolling hills of Arkansas, attending Winslow High School before graduating from Cherokee High School in Cherokee, Kansas. Sue held various positions, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with until her well-deserved retirement. Her work ethic and friendly demeanor were hallmarks of her professional life, and she carried these traits into her personal endeavors as well. Sue married Ted Wilks on June 18, 1958, and to this union three children were born; they later divorced. She then married Stephen G. “Steve” Friede on February 13, 1982, in Salt Lake City, Utah; he preceded her in death on October 20, 2016.
Sue had a zest for life and loved to travel but friends and family were her greatest loves. She enjoyed a good game of cards or dominoes and was as competitive as she was sweet. Volunteering was another passion of Sue’s, especially her time spent at Mercy McCune Brooks and as a member of Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage. She found great fulfillment in giving back to her community and helping others, a testament to her loving and friendly nature. Her generosity of spirit was a beacon of light and drew people to her, creating a vast network of friends and extended family who cherished her presence in their lives.
Above all, Sue’s heart belonged to her family. Survivors include her children, Dana Frazier, Carthage, Jeana Bartosh (Jay), Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Jimmy Wilks, Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren, Joshua Frazier, Tiffany Sumrall (Preston), Jessica Alberty (Phil), Jillian Prier (Dakota), and Jed Bartosh; her great-grandchildren, Landon Parker, Claire Sumrall, Kenzie Parker, and Brekyn Sumrall; and many extended family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Nardia Wilks; and six brothers and four sisters.
Per Sue’s wishes, there was cremation, and the family will hold services at 11 am, Friday, January 17, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
