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Donna Krikorian Obituary
Donna Jane "Fried" Krikorian
"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1
Donna was born on January 14, 1945, in Baker, MT to Alvin and Frieda (Allerdings) Fried, the third set of twins. Donna was born a short time after her twin brother Donald Ray Fried. Donna was raised on the Fried farm South of Plevna, MT. Donna and Don, known as the twins, were always seen together and at times into mischief. Donna was given credit for being the ringleader. Donna began attending the Ehret country school two miles west of the Fried farm. At times during the winter when the snow was too deep to walk to school, Donna's dad would take Donna and Don to school on the tractor. After completing the first several elementary grades at the Ehret school, Donna began attending school in the town of Plevna. During these younger years, Donna worked hard on the farm, getting up early to milk cows year-round. She was seen most times outside in the fields helping her dad and twin with farming, whether driving the tractor operating machinery, bucking bales and milking cows. Donna was not afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty. Always helping to keep the farm going.
Following graduation from Plevna Schools, Donna attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. After two years there, she transferred to Greenville College in Greenville, IL where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education and sociology. During these college years, Donna returned home to the farm for the summer months to help with work in the fields, helping her father and brother. She utterly enjoyed working out in the fresh Montana country air and enjoying God's creation.
Following college graduation, Donna applied for a teaching position in Baker, MT and taught third grade at Washington school.
Following her time teaching in Baker, Donna was offered a teaching position at the Irle Elementary School in Glasgow, MT, teaching third grade.
While in Glasgow, Donna struck up a friendship with many families she met at church and this is where Donna met Tam Krikorian, unbeknown to her at that time, the sister of her future husband who was deployed in SE Asia with the Navy. Donna was always steadfast in her faith in God and service, keeping God first and center in every endeavor she undertook and was involved in.
The pre-romantic experience began in late September of 1970, after Eric arrived home on leave after two years of being deployed to the tropics and jungles of SE Asia. Donna caught sight of Eric in Church the first Sunday after he arrived home. And she believed he had an eye on her as well. Eric's mother during a couple of phone calls while he was enroute home, mentioned there was a nice German Christian girl attending church who would make him a good wife, talking about Donna. Eric's mother a full-blooded German was already very fond of Donna, so you can see how that influence may have been a factor. Mother knows best.
So, the friendship began following the second Sunday after church at a dinner. From there it developed into a couple more dinner and outing dates. Then writing and a few phone calls when Eric returned to duty in California.
During the Christmas leave period following a steak dinner at Sams Supper Club in Glasgow on December 23, 1970, an engagement ring showed up and Donna gladly accepted.
Donna arranged for Eric to meet her family during the 1971 Easter leave period. All went well in the meshing of families, especially when Donna's folks found out Eric spoke German.
Donna and Eric were married on July 23, 1971, at the Plevna Emmaneul Congregational Church. From thereon, destiny set the course with over 53 plus memorable years loving each other, family, faithful to God and enjoying life.
Following the wedding, honeymoon locations were to the Black Hills, NW Minnesota at Strawberry Lake, Medora, and Mott, ND with Donna's sister Della and brother-in-law Charles, Huber. Then back to Plevna to pick up Donna's items and wedding gifts, to Glasgow for Eric's items before heading to Seattle, Washington to Eric's new duty station. Since Eric had to go on a short deployment after arriving in Seattle, Eric's sister and a cousin came along to keep Donna company and help explore the area, as well as locate a good Gospel believing church.
In February 1973 God blessed the family with the birth of Twyla Jane, the first grandchild for grandma and grandpa Fried. In 1974 the first home was purchased in anticipation of being blessed again in 1975 with the birth of Chad Eric. God blessed our family with two healthy and lovely children.
Donna had many wonderful experiences in her life to name a few. July 1976 was a memorable occasion with an invitation for a week in Washington DC being chauffeured in an official DOD limo to many celebrations and dinners, including the White House meeting with the President and Vice President, and given a private tour of White House facilities. Ceremonies and dinner with Congressional and Senator members from Montana and other members and leadership, and private touring of the National Capital. Meeting with the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corp, as well as the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corp in the Pentagon where Eric was honored and meritoriously promoted. A whirlwind week of many memorable ceremonies and activities. Great memories.
Following the week in Washington DC, we were flown to Orlando, FL for a week of R&R where more fanfare events were arranged, including being paraded down main street of Disney World at opening of the day as grand marshal, then another day off to the Kennedy Space center for a tour, finishing up with guest of honor at Sea World where Donna was the featured VIP to be honored by a kiss by Shamu the killer whale. Shamu came straight out of the water and looking like he would swallow Donna, stuck his tongue out and licked her cheek. Imagine the courage to stand on a platform and see a whale heading for you looking like dinner was ready to be served. Yes, Donna was courageous in everything she had to face.
During these two weeks of fanfare on the East coast, Donna dearly missed her little ones, Twyla and Chad who were being cared for by our wonderful Pastor Gordon and Ruby Meador, also Godfather and Godmother. Donna would call every morning and evening to check on her little jewels. Donna was fully devoted to her family.
In the years following all these special occasions we found our family moving to several different cities in support of military duties. Donna served in various positions in churches attended as Sunday School superintendent, substitute teacher and tutoring as a stay-at-home mom during the child rearing days until Twyla received her driver's license to begin chauffeuring her and Chad to school, errands and work. Donna was mom and dad during Eric's many deployments to various foreign places unknown to family, and sometimes for six to 12 months at a time, missing many birthdays, holidays and sporting events. Donna handled every issue, household management, schools, sporting events, finances, even purchasing new vehicles. She was a true trooper by all standards.
Virginia Beach, VA was the last location transferred to where Donna was ready to re-enter the education field. She was hired as an instructor initially for the Navy and Marine enlisted personnel to prepare them for college admission. After a few years of teaching, she earned her master's degree in counseling and began advising and setting up college degree programs and career fields for there service members to earn their degrees. Donna continued this work until her retirement September 2010. To this day, many of these military members still remember how Donna helped them achieve their life goals and share their gratitude.
Donna enjoyed life to the fullest. She was an avid reader of novels, avid golfer, enjoyed jogging and running in marathons, hiking, traveling within the USA and foreign countries, sports, cooking, baking, serving in various church positions as well as school functions. She enjoyed hosting the enlisted and officers' wives get togethers while husbands were deployed. Never afraid to face challenges no matter how difficult. A go-getter attitude by all standards. Donna was totally family-oriented, and everything was always done as a family.
Donna enjoyed Southern Gospel music and whenever there was a concert in the area, she would get tickets to attend, in Seattle, San Diego, New Orleans, Pensacola, Charolette, Hampton and Virginia Beach, wherever lived. Gaither Homecoming concerts were her favorites. A highlight was at one of Gaither's concerts, Donna was sitting near the front and on an aisle seat off the runway when Vestal Goodman one of Donna's favorite singers, of the Happy Goodman's came up to her and hugged her. Donna beamed from ear to ear.
Donna survived breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation 2006 to 2007, and was diagnosed with Chemo Brain in the years after retirement, eventually developing and diagnosed with dementia in 2015, and as of the last eight years this dreadful disease continued to rob Donna of memory and over the past several years of health, mobility and quality of life. She is now fully healed, joined her entire family who all preceded her in death and are now resting peacefully at the feet of Jesus which was her lifelong desire.
God's goodness and love was continually demonstrated throughout Donna's life by her example, testimony, and character. Donna was faithful to her God, family and friends, no matter the situations and circumstances that prevailed to the end.
Donna is survived by her husband, Eric of 53+ years; son, Chad; daughter, Twyla, Ray, (husband) and Britton, (grandson), residing in Virginia.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Frieda; twin brothers (still born) twin sisters, Diane and Della Huber and Della's husband Charles; and twin brother Donald Fried. All uncles and aunts, and many cousins. She is survived by many cousins.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelations 21:4
"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1
Donna was born on January 14, 1945, in Baker, MT to Alvin and Frieda (Allerdings) Fried, the third set of twins. Donna was born a short time after her twin brother Donald Ray Fried. Donna was raised on the Fried farm South of Plevna, MT. Donna and Don, known as the twins, were always seen together and at times into mischief. Donna was given credit for being the ringleader. Donna began attending the Ehret country school two miles west of the Fried farm. At times during the winter when the snow was too deep to walk to school, Donna's dad would take Donna and Don to school on the tractor. After completing the first several elementary grades at the Ehret school, Donna began attending school in the town of Plevna. During these younger years, Donna worked hard on the farm, getting up early to milk cows year-round. She was seen most times outside in the fields helping her dad and twin with farming, whether driving the tractor operating machinery, bucking bales and milking cows. Donna was not afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty. Always helping to keep the farm going.
Following graduation from Plevna Schools, Donna attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. After two years there, she transferred to Greenville College in Greenville, IL where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education and sociology. During these college years, Donna returned home to the farm for the summer months to help with work in the fields, helping her father and brother. She utterly enjoyed working out in the fresh Montana country air and enjoying God's creation.
Following college graduation, Donna applied for a teaching position in Baker, MT and taught third grade at Washington school.
Following her time teaching in Baker, Donna was offered a teaching position at the Irle Elementary School in Glasgow, MT, teaching third grade.
While in Glasgow, Donna struck up a friendship with many families she met at church and this is where Donna met Tam Krikorian, unbeknown to her at that time, the sister of her future husband who was deployed in SE Asia with the Navy. Donna was always steadfast in her faith in God and service, keeping God first and center in every endeavor she undertook and was involved in.
The pre-romantic experience began in late September of 1970, after Eric arrived home on leave after two years of being deployed to the tropics and jungles of SE Asia. Donna caught sight of Eric in Church the first Sunday after he arrived home. And she believed he had an eye on her as well. Eric's mother during a couple of phone calls while he was enroute home, mentioned there was a nice German Christian girl attending church who would make him a good wife, talking about Donna. Eric's mother a full-blooded German was already very fond of Donna, so you can see how that influence may have been a factor. Mother knows best.
So, the friendship began following the second Sunday after church at a dinner. From there it developed into a couple more dinner and outing dates. Then writing and a few phone calls when Eric returned to duty in California.
During the Christmas leave period following a steak dinner at Sams Supper Club in Glasgow on December 23, 1970, an engagement ring showed up and Donna gladly accepted.
Donna arranged for Eric to meet her family during the 1971 Easter leave period. All went well in the meshing of families, especially when Donna's folks found out Eric spoke German.
Donna and Eric were married on July 23, 1971, at the Plevna Emmaneul Congregational Church. From thereon, destiny set the course with over 53 plus memorable years loving each other, family, faithful to God and enjoying life.
Following the wedding, honeymoon locations were to the Black Hills, NW Minnesota at Strawberry Lake, Medora, and Mott, ND with Donna's sister Della and brother-in-law Charles, Huber. Then back to Plevna to pick up Donna's items and wedding gifts, to Glasgow for Eric's items before heading to Seattle, Washington to Eric's new duty station. Since Eric had to go on a short deployment after arriving in Seattle, Eric's sister and a cousin came along to keep Donna company and help explore the area, as well as locate a good Gospel believing church.
In February 1973 God blessed the family with the birth of Twyla Jane, the first grandchild for grandma and grandpa Fried. In 1974 the first home was purchased in anticipation of being blessed again in 1975 with the birth of Chad Eric. God blessed our family with two healthy and lovely children.
Donna had many wonderful experiences in her life to name a few. July 1976 was a memorable occasion with an invitation for a week in Washington DC being chauffeured in an official DOD limo to many celebrations and dinners, including the White House meeting with the President and Vice President, and given a private tour of White House facilities. Ceremonies and dinner with Congressional and Senator members from Montana and other members and leadership, and private touring of the National Capital. Meeting with the Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corp, as well as the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corp in the Pentagon where Eric was honored and meritoriously promoted. A whirlwind week of many memorable ceremonies and activities. Great memories.
Following the week in Washington DC, we were flown to Orlando, FL for a week of R&R where more fanfare events were arranged, including being paraded down main street of Disney World at opening of the day as grand marshal, then another day off to the Kennedy Space center for a tour, finishing up with guest of honor at Sea World where Donna was the featured VIP to be honored by a kiss by Shamu the killer whale. Shamu came straight out of the water and looking like he would swallow Donna, stuck his tongue out and licked her cheek. Imagine the courage to stand on a platform and see a whale heading for you looking like dinner was ready to be served. Yes, Donna was courageous in everything she had to face.
During these two weeks of fanfare on the East coast, Donna dearly missed her little ones, Twyla and Chad who were being cared for by our wonderful Pastor Gordon and Ruby Meador, also Godfather and Godmother. Donna would call every morning and evening to check on her little jewels. Donna was fully devoted to her family.
In the years following all these special occasions we found our family moving to several different cities in support of military duties. Donna served in various positions in churches attended as Sunday School superintendent, substitute teacher and tutoring as a stay-at-home mom during the child rearing days until Twyla received her driver's license to begin chauffeuring her and Chad to school, errands and work. Donna was mom and dad during Eric's many deployments to various foreign places unknown to family, and sometimes for six to 12 months at a time, missing many birthdays, holidays and sporting events. Donna handled every issue, household management, schools, sporting events, finances, even purchasing new vehicles. She was a true trooper by all standards.
Virginia Beach, VA was the last location transferred to where Donna was ready to re-enter the education field. She was hired as an instructor initially for the Navy and Marine enlisted personnel to prepare them for college admission. After a few years of teaching, she earned her master's degree in counseling and began advising and setting up college degree programs and career fields for there service members to earn their degrees. Donna continued this work until her retirement September 2010. To this day, many of these military members still remember how Donna helped them achieve their life goals and share their gratitude.
Donna enjoyed life to the fullest. She was an avid reader of novels, avid golfer, enjoyed jogging and running in marathons, hiking, traveling within the USA and foreign countries, sports, cooking, baking, serving in various church positions as well as school functions. She enjoyed hosting the enlisted and officers' wives get togethers while husbands were deployed. Never afraid to face challenges no matter how difficult. A go-getter attitude by all standards. Donna was totally family-oriented, and everything was always done as a family.
Donna enjoyed Southern Gospel music and whenever there was a concert in the area, she would get tickets to attend, in Seattle, San Diego, New Orleans, Pensacola, Charolette, Hampton and Virginia Beach, wherever lived. Gaither Homecoming concerts were her favorites. A highlight was at one of Gaither's concerts, Donna was sitting near the front and on an aisle seat off the runway when Vestal Goodman one of Donna's favorite singers, of the Happy Goodman's came up to her and hugged her. Donna beamed from ear to ear.
Donna survived breast cancer, chemotherapy and radiation 2006 to 2007, and was diagnosed with Chemo Brain in the years after retirement, eventually developing and diagnosed with dementia in 2015, and as of the last eight years this dreadful disease continued to rob Donna of memory and over the past several years of health, mobility and quality of life. She is now fully healed, joined her entire family who all preceded her in death and are now resting peacefully at the feet of Jesus which was her lifelong desire.
God's goodness and love was continually demonstrated throughout Donna's life by her example, testimony, and character. Donna was faithful to her God, family and friends, no matter the situations and circumstances that prevailed to the end.
Donna is survived by her husband, Eric of 53+ years; son, Chad; daughter, Twyla, Ray, (husband) and Britton, (grandson), residing in Virginia.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Frieda; twin brothers (still born) twin sisters, Diane and Della Huber and Della's husband Charles; and twin brother Donald Fried. All uncles and aunts, and many cousins. She is survived by many cousins.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelations 21:4
Published by Billings Gazette on Jan. 3, 2025.
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