Wanda Gay Friend

Wanda Gay Friend, 76, passed away January 6, 2021. Wanda was the only child of Vernon Seaton and Augusta (Shivers) Seaton, born February 10, 1944. Wanda was a graduate of Prague High School. She married Linzy “Pete” Friend on August 25, 1967 and they were devoted husband and wife for almost 50 years before his passing in May of 2017. Wanda changed from the “average” Christian to a power house for God when she received her healing from Multiple Sclerosis. Wanda had a love of people and desire to reach the lost and hurting. She began a ministry of love. Wanda is the founder of Touch Ministries, an outreach dedicated to training ministers and reaching those who might never darken a church door. She did mission trips in Haiti, Mexico and Alaska. Ministered in nursing homes, homes for the mentally ill or challenged, and provided a free summer camp so that street kids could experience the unconditional love of Jesus. Wanda served as a children’s minister, clown, puppeteer, and in prison ministry. Through her ministry bodies have been healed, broken lives have been repaired and Christians seeking God’s direction found a nurturing place. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Friend and her parents, Vernon and Augusta Seaton. Those left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Kristi Strickland and husband Randy. Katrina Massey, Kelly Massey and her husband Josh. Grandchildren, Brett Strickland and wife Kaleigh. Brad Strickland and wife Lauren, Baruck Strickland and wife Samantha, Tori Tanner and husband David, Trent Massey and wife Taryn, Kayden Massey, and Kayde Massey; 16 great grandchildren; several close cousins she considered siblings; and other extended family members and friends.