She was born in St. James, MO, May 2, 1936 the daughter of William and Stella (Mayberry) Frey. Growing up in St. James, she began working at a young age in her parent’s restaurant the Frey Café, alongside her beloved sister, Virginia. William “Buck” Furling would often visit her at the cafe. As she predicted, they did marry after high school on May 21, 1955.
Delores and Buck relocated many times while he served in the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, Buck continued his career as an Air Traffic Controller in Houston, TX, Indianapolis and Muncie IN. While in Indy, they welcomed their son William “Trey” Furling III. The Furling family moved to Springfield when Buck received an offer to serve at Springfield Capitol Airport where he would retire after more than 25 years of service.
Delores and Buck founded Bill Furling Real Estate and worked side by side for many years. They developed apartment complexes, restored property for rent and, along with their son Trey, developed North Lake Shore subdivision.
Delores was so proud of her family. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband and son, and soon Trey’s bride, Cindy, but also made time to travel with her husband and make many dear friends. As grandchildren arrived, Delores and Buck enjoyed every recital and event, especially the ones performed in their own living room. As time went on, the granddaughters became parents and Delores was the best GiGi anyone could ask for. She spoiled each of the great grandchildren to the fullest and loved to spend time with them.
Later in her life, she was confronted with the illness of her beloved husband and in true Delores fashion of “I’m in charge” devoted her early retirement years caring for Buck, tending to every need he had. Buck passed away March 25, 2014. She would face another test of her faith when her only son, Trey passed away November 25, 2018. Through her loss, she and the “girls” pulled together supporting each other and helping each other continue the family business and execute the succession plans already in place.
Delores was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Rusty Frey, her sister Virginia Williams, and her nephew, William Frey Jr.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church. She was a devoted friend to many and especially enjoyed her “Friday Night Dinner and Card Club” She will be missed by so many for her unconditional love, advice, and kindness.
Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Cindy Furling, her three granddaughter’s: Alyssa (Heidi) Furling, Chelsea (Colt) Furling-Durr and Tracey Furling, five great grandchildren with another expected in October, her dear brother, William Frey, and several nieces and nephews, including Lisa (John) Crump and John (Roxanne) Williams.
Honoring her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering, Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL from 10:00 am until 11:15 am. A memorial service will begin at 11:30 am at the funeral home with inurnment following in Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Kumler Outreach Ministries 303 North Grand Ave. E. Springfield, IL 62702 or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110.
Tributes and condolences may be left for the family at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
