Viola "Leone" Friesen

Viola “Leone Friesen passed patiently at home on March 14, 2026, with her sister and son by her side. She was born on March 24, 1930, in Pingree, ID to George and Agnes (Roy) Inskeep. She attended school in Aberdeen.

She married George Brumfield in November 1947, and they had two sons Larry and Allen. George passed away in 1975. She later married James Friesen in 1976 and added 4 stepchildren to her family.

Leone worked most of her life. She was a waitress at West Bank in Idaho Falls, befriending everyone that came in. She also worked in potato warehouses, and her favorite pastime was driving truck. She was proud of the fact that she could drive Transystems trucks in her 80’s even though her sisters told her that she couldn’t do that! She had a green thumb and could grow roses with a quart jar. She loved visiting with anyone that came along. She loved playing bridge with all her friends and telling tall stories.

She is survived by her husband Jim, son Larry Brumfield, stepchildren Robin, Renee, Rick and Rod; a sister Cora (Larry) Kendall and a brother Roy (Doris) Inskeep, 4 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Leone was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lorna Jean Turner, brother Elvin (Skip) Inskeep and an infant brother that passed away at two weeks old, a son Allen and one grandchild.

Leone’s memorial service will be held on March 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Mennonite Church in Aberdeen. The graveside service will follow at Homestead cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.