Mildred Leola Friend (Gibler)

Mildred L. Friend, 92, of Independence, Missouri, died April 20, 2023. She was born to Walter C. Gibler and Flossie (Crews) Gibler, the second of three children.
In 1950 she married Joseph C. Friend Jr. They remained happily married until his death in 2000. They had three children, Charles Friend, Carol Friend, and John Friend.
Mildred was an excellent pianist. She was active in the Independence and Kansas City musical communities. She was a long-time member of Independence Music Club, serving in various offices including president. She was a member of Moment Musical Club, composed of excellent pianists in the Kansas City area. She studied for many years under Mary Dawson, a former piano instructor at UMKC Conservatory of Music.
Mildred served as the choir accompanist at Pleasant Grove Bible Church in the 1970’s. She was the pianist at Birchwood Baptist Church in the 1980’s. She also taught piano at Turner Music Co. in the 1970’s before teaching privately.
Mildred is survived by her children, a sister, Delores Johnston, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Gibler.
Family will greet guests on Thursday, April 27, 2023, between 6:00-8:00pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E 39th St. Independence, Missouri 64055). A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:00am with a procession to Blue Springs Cemetery immediately following.