FREDA MARIE (FRIEND) LOFTIS

Freda Marie (Friend) Loftis, 82, of Gainesville, MO passed away February 1, 2018 at the Gainesville Healthcare Center. She was born October 7, 1935 to Harrison and Iva (Lawson) Friend.

Freda was married to H.R. "Sonnie" Loftis on August 10, 1949 and to this union two children were born, Cecil and Nancy. Freda worked for thirty years, mostly sewing shoulder pads, at Rawlings Sporting Goods in Ava, MO. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and cooking. She loved her family and was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

Freda is survived by her daughter Nancy Steele and significant other Kenny Pickett of Gainesville; her daughter-in-law Katherine Loftis of Gainesville; grandson Matt Woodward of Moberly, MO, granddaughter Heather Coyle and husband Steve of Cuba, NM, grandson Brian Loftis of Hollister, MO; seven great grandsons and nine great granddaughters; three great-great grandchildren; one brother Edd Friend and wife Ina of Noble, MO, sisters Fern Cantwell of Ava, MO, Peggy Robbins and husband Bob of Gainesville, Polly Ousley of Ava, MO and Maxine DeBord of Princeville, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Sonnie Loftis; her son Cecil Loftis; one grandson Brad Loftis; six half sisters; two half brothers; four brothers and three sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 5, 2018 in the Loftis Cemetery with Milan Chisam officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, February 4 ^th from 2-4 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO.  The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Loftis Cemetery or to Fair Haven Children's Home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.