Michael Ray Friend

Michael Ray Friend, 63, of Bentonville passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. He was born Aug. 9, 1955, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Raymond and Erma Friend. He graduated from Eddyville High School, where he received a baseball scholarship. He attended Evangel College in Springfield, Mo., where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in business. He married Kelli Friend on June 8, 1984, and was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Kelli Friend of Bentonville; his son, Chris Friend of Bentonville; his daughter, Heather Gabriele and husband, Joel Gabriele of Bella Vista; his sister, Rita Larson (Dale Larson) of Bella Vista; 1 grandchild, Josiah Gabriele; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. Interment will follow in the Bentonville Cemetery. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.