Rita J. Freie, 75, of Middletown, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at her home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville, with Rev. Kevin Kohnke officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the church.
Rita was born on January 20, 1950 in St. Louis, the daughter of Hayden and Goldie (Grosse) Gerken. On August 16, 1969 in High Hill, she married Charles Freie who survives.
Rita was confirmed on June 20, 1971 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville, where she remained an active and devoted member throughout her life. Her strong Christian faith guided her in all that she did. She was involved in several church and community organizations, including the Ladies Aid and Young Farm Wives and served as a 4-H leader. She always was a caregiver. She worked for over 40 years as a nurse in the nursing home and at doctors’ offices. After the children were raised she enjoyed her role as a homemaker and farm wife.
Rita had a talent for sewing and crocheting (especially afghans), and she enjoyed cooking, canning and working in her garden. She took great pride in keeping a clean and organized home and was rarely one to sit still. Most of all, Rita cherished her role as a grandmother; her grandchildren were her greatest joy.
In addition to her husband Charles, survivors include, three sons, Craig Freie (Niki) of Middletown, Mark Freie (Sara) of Middletown and Keith Freie (Trevor) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; one daughter, Carrie Nelson (Jared) of Middletown; two brothers, Alan Ham (Vera) of Bowling Green and Gary Ham of Montgomery City; two sisters, Vanessa Gonzalez (Mike) of Montgomery City and Patricia Stoner (Tony) of Moberly; one brother-in-law, August “Junior” Freie (Linda) of New Franklin; 15 grandchildren, Logan Woods, Abbie, Kara and Charlie Freie, Gabe, Emma and Ethan Freie, Peter, Sylvia, Jonathan and Robert Pike, and Luke, Reed, Brock, and Levi Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; step-father George “Pat” Ham; and one brother, Steve Ham.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates, Wellsville, MO 63384.
Online condolences may be left at www.myersfuneralhome.biz.
