Gaye was born in Ellsworth, Kansas on April 27, 1953, to Lynn and Marian Droegemeier. She was one of four children and the oldest of three sisters. Gaye always loved babies, even at a young age, and would dote on her youngest sister (5 years her younger) by reading to her at night before bedtime. Gaye was a Kansas resident her whole life and lived in Ellsworth, Salina, Syracuse, Wichita, Valley Center, Bel Aire, Kechi, and Newton. Gaye excelled in high school and was co-salutatorian her senior year (1971) at Valley Center, while also being a member of the National Honor Society, National Forensics League, and The International Thespian Society. Gaye was musically inclined and loved singing in the Girls Ensemble and Acapella Choir in high school, and would often provide accompaniment on piano when called upon to do so.

Gaye showed the independent side of her nature by moving from home shortly after graduating high school. Although it took 6 years, Gaye worked her way through college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Friends University in 1977. This led to a full-time position at 1st National Bank in Wichita, where she earned several promotions and was active in developing procedures for various operational functions. She would later take a job at Builders Incorporated where she was involved in accounting and payroll.

On August 8, 1981 she married the love of her life, Allen Friess. Allen has said that Gaye's beauty, charming personality, cheerful nature, sense of humor, and infectious laugh are what initially attracted him to her. But he soon learned how smart and talented Gaye was as well. Sadly, on August 8, 1992, on the 11th anniversary of their marriage, Gaye received the bad news that she had Multiple Sclerosis. She was only 39, with much of her life still ahead. Gaye was hit hard by MS and would eventually spend two months in the hospital and rehab. By the grace of God, and with the help of many, Gaye was able to regain some of her walking ability, but was never able to work or drive again. The damage to her optic nerve also robbed her of one of the things she cherished most – the ability to read. This was devasting to Gaye. However, with the help of Kansas Talking Books, she was able to listen to countless books and magazines on tape over the decades.

Despite all that Gaye endured, she maintained an optimistic outlook and did her best to make the most of her life. Gaye will be remembered by family and friends for her positive character traits, which were obvious to all who knew her. She will also be remembered for her talent in needlecraft. From the use of a sewing machine to make her own wedding dress, to crocheting, to creating counted cross-stitch pictures for framing, to making beautiful Christmas stockings for the nieces and nephews, and the list goes on. Gaye was a truly warmhearted and talented individual who loved her family, her friends, and her God.

Gaye was preceded in death by her father, Lynn Droegemeier, mother Marian (Skaggs) Droegemeier, sisters-in-law Jan Droegemeier and Marilyn Friess, brother-in-law Alan Johnson, and niece Lisa Steinert. She is survived by her husband Allen Friess of Newton, brother Doug Droegemeier of Wichita, sisters Carol Droegemeier of Russell, Kansas and Ann Johnson of Redmond, Washington, and by 16 nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Baker Funeral Home, 100 S. Cedar Ave., Valley Center, Ks.

Memorial service is 11:00 AM, Friday, October 3, 2025 at First Evangelical Free Church, 1825 N. Woodlawn, Wichita, Kansas 67208.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Good Shepherd Hospice, 301 N Main, Newton, Ks. 67114

Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com