Barbara Jean Frei-Gehring, 77, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at her home in Grangeville with her family by her side. Barbara was born March 22, 1940, in Cottonwood, the youngest of 10 children, to Fred and Anna Vogel of Nezperce.
On Sept. 3, 1960, she married her first love, Jim Frei of Grangeville. They were blessed with six children. For the next 45 years she enjoyed camping, bowling, playing cards, working at the thrift store, traveling, picnics on the back of the Scout and she loved to clean. In March 2006, Jim passed away. She then spent her time visiting with her children and grandchildren and having spa days with her daughters.
In November 2011, Barb had a second chance at love. She married Vern Gehring of Cottonwood on Aug. 16, 2012. For the next five years, Barb enjoyed going four-wheeling, playing cards, huckleberry picking and country drives. Though Mom left this earth way too early, Vern tells us "we only had five years together, but they were the best five years of my life." Barb was a parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul parish.
Barb is survived by her husband, Vern; brothers Fred Vogel of Nezperce and Jim Vogel (Judy) of Layton, Utah; children Brenda Wilson (Evan Chapman) of Puyallup, Wash., Vickie Rouse (Kevin) of Post Falls, Idaho, Laurie Hall (Rod) of Kimberly, Idaho, Jodi Mills (Dave) of Auburn, Wash., Andy Frei (Michelle) of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Teresa Durham (Lance) of Lewiston; 14 grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley, Matt, Michael, Zach, Kristina, Aaron, Tiffanie, Nick, Anna, Craig, Jim, Bryan and Cheyene; and seven great-grandchildren: Maddisen, Isaac, Joseph, Andrew, Noah, Caleb and Brooks.
Barb was preceded in death by her first husband, Jim; parents Fred and Anna; sisters Viola, Sister Bertha, Maggie, Bernie, Dorothy, Betty; brother Bob; and numerous loved ones.
Anyone who knew Barb said she could light up a room and was the life of the party.
A viewing will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. next Friday at the Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. next Friday at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 16, at Sts. Peter and Paul School gymnasium in Grangeville. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville. Send condolences to the family to Blackmerfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the hospice nurses of Grangeville, Dr. Mulvey of Post Falls, all of the wonderful nurses we came into contact with and the numerous family and friends who have shared their prayers and stories with us.
Mom, your laughter and smile will stay in our hearts forever.
