Patricia Friez

Patricia (Trish) Anne Cassity Friez, lost her long battle with cancer on February 5, 2018. It is noteworthy that as the months of treatment and disease wore on, her vibrant sense of humor remained. Trish was born on November 10, 1940 in Mobile, Alabama to Mattie Mae Combs and Milton John Cassity. She was raised within a large southern family which was very interactive and fostered early development of social skills and confident personalities. Trish graduated from Murphy High in Mobile in 1959 and then enrolled at the University of Alabama where she was hired by the legendary coach “Bear” Bryant to teach some of his Crimson Tide football players ballet and etiquette. After graduation, Trish started her first job teaching 5th grade in Orlando, FL where she met her future husband Ronald Ray Friez. They were married on December 22, 1965 and remained together for 53 years. They moved several times early in their marriage but would eventually settle in Montana for over 45 years, both in Helena and at Flathead Lake.  Trish was very active in the Helena community, where she was a part of the original Grandstreet theater. Trish served on the theater board when it first started in the Placer hotel and performed in several productions. Trish was a dedicated member of her Helena P.E.O. chapter and of the Junior Women’s Guild at St. Peter’s Cathedral. She contributed her talents to the Electrum Art Program, The Festival of Trees and coordinated several foreign exchange programs. She belonged to the Cheap and Easy Doll Club and was a recognized expert in all things “doll”. She started her own business, “Dolls from the Heart” where she created, collected and taught about dolls. Trish was an avid reader, traveler and a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Ron and her daughter Amy of Helena, MT; her daughter Kimberley Yirak of Poway, CA; her sister Nita Sierke of Woodside, CA; grandchildren Shane and Jordan Yirak of Poway, CA and Aelish and Ennis Barrs of Helena, MT. Trish leaves a large legacy in the form of wonderful friendships, creative endeavors and warm memories. In the words of a close friend, “Trish was a funny, smart, creative, dauntless, talented, sociable, loving and caring person. She is keenly missed. Trish’s life will be celebrated near Helena at the Tizer Botanic Garden on Saturday, August 4th from 1-3 p.m.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.