Alice Frey, born in China, family escaped from Russia to U.S.

Alice  Frey, 85, died on March 27, 2014, at 9:30 am at Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora.  Alice was born February 1, 1929 in Harbin, China to parents Aron and Agnes (Wiebe) Warkentin, who were fleeing Russia for religious freedom. On January 31, 1949, she married Lonas Frey Jr. who preceded her in death on November 27, 2009.

Alice had been a homemaker. She and her family also owned and operated Ohio Dusting Co. (Aerial Application) until 1986. She attended St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora. Alice and her husband traveled to many places, often in their own airplane.

Survivors include a daughter, Laura  (Gary) Luginbill of Ottawa; two sons, Gary (Paula) Frey of Ottawa, and Jeffrey (Kim) Frey of Bethel, Ohio; five grandchildren, Katy and Aaron Frey of Chicago, Ill., Blake Frey of Mesa, Ariz., Michelle (Eric) Brough of Pandora, Daniel (Candice) Luginbill of Pandora; a step granddaughter, Megan Connell of Ottawa, eight great-grandchildren, Kirsten, Kasey and Karmyn Brough,; Ethan, Eli, Corin, Julia and Sophie Luginbill; a sister, Agnes Rice of Ottawa; and a brother, John Warkentin of Swanton, Ohio.

Alice was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Frey; two sisters, Helen Hilty, Lydia Mershman; and a brother, Jacob Warkentin.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 31, at St. John Mennonite Church, Pandora.  Rev. Lynn Thompson will officiate. Burial will be in Harman Cemetery, Gilboa.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 p.m.–6 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Mennonite Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.