She was born on June 29, 1922 near Leon, Iowa to Roy and Merle (Dale) Blakesley, the third of four children. She graduated from Leon Public School at age 16.
Freda was a lifelong caregiver to her family and all the International Association of Machinist members in Des Moines, Iowa where she was office manager for many years. She loved gardening, playing cards and spending time with her family.
Freda is survived by her sister, Vaeniece (Bob) Davis of McCool Jct.; niece, Margaret Nielsen of Blair; nephews, Merville (Linda) Blakesley of Lebanon, Tenn., Marble Blakesley of Whitewater, Wis. and Marvin (Melinda) Blakesley of Whitewater, Wis. and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Freda is also survived by Sue Ann Stephens of Springfield, Mo., Debbie (Dean) Pettit of Mt. Ayr, Iowa and special friend Michelle Schriever of Lebonon, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and husband, Josephine and John Shook; brother and wife, Merville and Velma Blakesley; nephews, Larry and J.R. Shook and nephew-in-law, David Nielsen.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Fairview Manor Chapel in Fairmont with Pastor Ralph Gaines officiating. Freda chose to be cremated so there will be no viewing or visitation. Burial will be at a later date at New Salem Church Cemetery near Leon, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Fairview Manor or the McCool United Methodist Church.