Reva Gene Lane Friedly

Posted

(Dec. 25, 2008)

Reva Gene Lane Friedly, 82,  died Thursday, Dec. 25 in Laurel, Mont., comforted by family in her daughter’s home. She endured a long illness with courage and strength to share as many days as possible with her family and many friends.

Reva was born on Oct. 7, 1926, delivered by her grandmother, Epha Lonea Rose Swain.  She was one of eight children and youngest daughter of Dallas and Clara Ellen Swain Lane.  She went to school in Sundance, Moorcroft and Gillette and graduated from high school in Bonners Ferry, Idaho after moving there in her junior year.

Reva married James Friedly on Nov. 23, 1948 at Gurley, Nebr. They farmed in the Kootenai Valley, Idaho and near Heart Mountain at Powell until 1963 and then lived in the Powell and Cody areas for the rest of their lives. Reva represented many artists while working at the Thunder Horse Gallery and the Cody Art League. She also worked for Dr. Bennet, Western Bank and the Forest Service in Cody before retiring.

Reva was active in Jobs Daughters, Rebekahs and Extension Clubs. She taught Sunday school and was in Ladies Circles of the Union Presbyterian Church of Powell and later the First Presbyterian Church of Cody, where she served as a deacon and sang in the choir.

Reva is survived by her 10 children and their spouses: Jimmie (Ione), Colorado Springs, Colo; Dennis, Cody; Sheryl (Phil Barnes), Manhattan, Kan.; Chris (Connie), Gillette; Colette (John Decker), Laurel, Mont.;  Del (Marcy), Powell; Milton (Carmen) Elizabethtown, Pa.; Gwendolyn Nielsen, Casper; Jackie (Tom Wilder), Cody; and Tammy (Matt Wahlbrink), Cowley.

Also surviving are 29 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Her husband, James, preceded her in death in 1978.

Reva warmed the heart and brought a smile to everyone she met.  She treated everyone as a friend. Visitors to her home were always treated to a full meal and wonderful desserts.

Reva would dance and sing at the drop of a hat and was the life of every party. She instilled the love of gardening, nature and the outdoors in her children and their families.  Giving her children a creative and resourceful constitution gave her great joy and resulted in many magical and imaginative works of art and life accomplishments. Reva truly lived life to the fullest and her zest and pizzazz will touch many for years to come.

Reva’s memorial service will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Cody at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, followed by graveside services at Riverview Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ballard Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Reva Friedly’s honor to the Cody Youth Baseball and Softball Fund at Pinnacle Bank of Cody.

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