Freda A. Blakeley

In loving memory of Freda Arlene Benton Blakeley who was born on November 1, 1933 and passed away into the loving arms of her savior on December 28, 2020 in Casper, Wyoming from natural causes.

She was born to Fred and Dorothy (Conklin) Benton and raised in Edgemont, South Dakota. She and her family spent wonderful years in Sturgis, South Dakota, Newcastle, Wyoming and from 1973 to 2019 in Glenrock, Wyoming.

Freda married Glen Blakeley on May 24, 1952 and they celebrated 68 years together raising their family of four children: Robbin, Richard, Lea Ann and Scott. She loved to cook, can, sew, paint, knit, crochet, and most of all spend time with family. She was honored to be a wife, mother, and homemaker by saying, "Glen has been such a good provider that this allowed me to do exactly what I always wanted to do."

She was always up for a good visit in person or on the phone. She was exceptionally good at keeping in touch with many extended family members and friends. When she and Glen had visitors stop by their house, expected or unexpected, they were always gracious and welcoming to stop what they were doing to have a cup of coffee and visit. A former employee of Scott and Shari's that worked with Glen would go and visit them often. He expressed "I enjoyed all the talks we got to have. Long talks. Someone please call me so I can have an excuse to leave talks."
She was immensely proud of the fact she went back to the local high school and learned secretarial skills including shorthand. Many of Lea Ann's friends told her "Your mom is so cool" that had class with Freda. Many of those high school students she was in class with became lifelong friends.

Freda enjoyed genealogy and tracing hers and Glen's family back to the 1600's. They made an extended trip to the east coast in 1985 to gather information and visit cemeteries and family sites.

She was a care provider for the elderly in her home for several years. Then she became "Grandma" to Hunter and Roper Taylor as she provided care for them from birth until they started school.

Freda had a fantastic memory for events in her life. From what she received for birthdays and Christmas from 3 years old and on to stories from her childhood she loved to share with anyone who would listen. She had a tradition of taking pictures of each grandchild in an old wash basin with pitcher that she treasured. Her granddaughter Leslie remembers canning and peach dumplings with Grandma.

She was a member of the Red Hats Society and involved in the churches they attended over the years.
Because of health concerns, she and Glen left their home of 43 years in Glenrock and moved into Meadow Wind Assisted Living in March 2019. There they made new friends and people to visit with. When she could not or would not talk on the phone because it was too tiring to hold the phone to her ear, all knew things were not going well for her.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents and oldest son Robbin and two infant brothers. She is survived by her husband, Glen of Casper, son Richard (Cheryl) Blakeley of Glenrock, daughter Lea Ann Carr of Douglas, son Scott (Shari) Blakeley of Evansville, sister Dottie McKillip of Glenrock, grandchildren Shawn Blakeley, Marci Mangold, Patrick (Val) Heimann, Nikki (Cale) Ostermiller, Leslie Heimann Jones, Landon (Sandra) Blakeley, Parker (Nicole) Blakeley, Preston (Alecia) Blakeley, Lane (Melissa Chaney) Blakeley, great grandchildren Katelynn, Max, Tyler, Bella, Ben, Lucy, Jarret, Jace, Jaxston, Evan, Alycia, Eily and Max, two sisters-in-law, Norma Jean (Wilbur) Lease and Bonnie Lou (Vern) Meyer. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private service and burial were held January 2, 2021. A celebration of life will follow at a later date.

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