Ruth Cecilia Friesen
October 14, 1925 – September 8, 2015

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
Ruth Friesen never earned the title of “saint,” yet it was freely given to her by the Lord Jesus Christ when she received Him personally into her life as her Lord and Savior. Ruth peacefully went into the arms of Jesus on September 8, 2015 in the home of her eldest daughter and son-in-law in Carmel, Indiana.

Ruth Friesen was born on the mission field in Khamgoan, Berar, India to Ernest and Esther Crocker on October 14, 1925. Both Ruth’s parents and grandparents faithfully served the Lord as missionaries in India with Christian Missionary Alliance. Ruth spent most of her growing-up years in India, attending Breek’s Boarding School in Ooty, India. Her family moved back to her father’s family home in Wakefield, Massachusetts for Ruth to attend Wakefield High School. She graduated from Gordon College when its campus was in downtown Boston, earning her Bachelors in Education, and many years later studied for her Master’s degree at Salem College in Salem, MA.

As a youth Ruth sensed the call to foreign missions and in the preparation process attended some special training at Wheaton College where she met and became engaged to Milton Friesen, from Steinbach, Manitoba. They individually were accepted as missionaries with TEAM, The Evangelical Alliance Mission, to serve in Venezuela; Milton traveled in 1949 and Ruth in 1950. They were married on March 7, 1951 and later were blessed with the birth of 2 daughters, Star and Carol, during their years in Venezuela. Both Milton and Ruth were teachers, trained young people at a Bible Institute, and planted new churches until they returned to the US in 1959.

Ruth enjoyed teaching at Princeton Christian School south of Miami, FL and at North Shore Christian School in Lynn, MA where she later became principal. She also served on the Board of Kingston House/ Merrimac Mission where her husband Milton was Executive Director for almost 20 years. Ruth was an avid prayer warrior, praying fervently and frequently for her family and for many missionaries around the world. She also served on the Missions Committee at Grace Chapel, Lexington, MA and participated in several prayer groups.

Although widowed in 1990, Ruth greatly enjoyed the companionship of her daughter Carol, exploring New England and visiting Star’s family when they lived in the Los Angeles, Seattle, and Chicago areas. She wrote to one of her grandsons in 1991, “I’m proud of wonderful grandsons!” Ruth received a tremendous legacy from the generations before her and now continues to pass on that legacy, not only to her 2 daughters, son-in-law Don,
3 grandsons (David, Steven, and Michael), but also to 5 great-grandchildren (Avery, Hailey, Casey, Ellery, and Thea). Ruth has truly lived out the truth of Psalm 71: 17-18, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.”

As Ruth’s health began to decline her daughter Carol was her loving full-time caregiver for several years, often reading missionary prayer letters, singing with George Beverly Shea, and praying for family. In July, when more care was needed, Ruth moved into Don and Star’s home in Carmel, IN. Ruth lost her vision, her mobility, and the confusion of advanced dementia held her captive. BUT, on September 8, 2015 Ruth experienced the ultimate release from the confines of this world as she entered heaven’s gates. Jesus Himself welcomed her home, wrapped her in His loving arms and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Ruth Friesen – third generation missionary, teacher, artist, coffee and ice cream enthusiast (the last food she ate was coffee ice cream!), prayer warrior, and best of all – child of God who loved His Word, wrote in her Bible above Psalm 34 (one of her favorite scriptures): “Until Then my heart will go on singing.” She’s singing with the heavenly hosts today and for all eternity!

Special thanks to the absolutely wonderful staff of Brookdale Hospice in Indianapolis who compassionately cared for Ruth during her final weeks. Thank you Erica, Leslie, Vertie, Beverly, and Becky (Home Health).

Memorial service for Ruth Friesen will be on September 17, 2015, 2:00pm in the Prayer Chapel at Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd., Lexington, MA 02421. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Grace Chapel Missions at above address or to Faith Christian School, 384 West St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Thank you.