Freda Thompson

Freda Thompson, 93 of Arcola, IL went home to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by her loving family at 11:55 A.M. on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., in Arcola, IL. Pastor Brent Budd will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, February 11, 2022, at the funeral home.

Freda was born on September 13, 1928, in Oakland, IL. She was a daughter of John Evans and Sarah Elizabeth (Cox) Frantz. She married Irvin Eugene Thompson on January 1, 1948, in Oakland, IL. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before he passed away on April 17, 2018.

Survivors include five children, Kay Hughes of Jenks, OK, Karen (Gary) Cain of Edwardsville, IL, Ruth (Paul) Cheatham of Kansas, IL, Jane (Steven) Ellsworth of Divide, CO and Bruce (Lori) Thompson of Arcola, IL, 12 grandchildren, Trevor (Malissa) Hughes, Justin (Emily) Hughes, Stacy (Doug) Moody, Stephanie (Todd) Smith, Joel (Sarah) Cheatham, Jason (Kristin) Cheatham, Sarah (Adam) Vazquez, Hannah Cheatham, Allison (Paul) Pinckley, Lindsey (Garrett) Stephens, Kaitlyn Ellsworth and Jennifer (Marcus) Alexander, 23 great grandchildren, Ellis, August and Laney Hughes, Hattie and Levi Hughes, Emily, Elliana and Caroline Moody,
Savannah Pearl, Colton and Hunter Smith, Samuel, Sophia and Elijah Cheatham, Grace and Anna Cheatham, Chase and Jaxon Vazquez, Tripp, Cooper and Maggie Pinckley, and Kailen and Riley Stephens.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one grandson, Jonathan Cheatham, and her siblings, Mary Hammer, Dorothy Hammer, Bud Frantz, Harold Frantz.

Freda was a member of the Arcola Chapter of the WCTU, Women’s Christian Temperance Union where she had served as a secretary and social director. In 1985 her family was honored to be selected as the Illinois Family of the Year.

She was an avid gardener, raising a garden and many beautiful flowers that she shared with local nursing homes.

Freda was very family oriented and shared her love of Christ to her family and those around her. She did this by her hospitality and always doing for others. 

She was a very Loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. Freda was devoted to helping out around the farm or with the grain bin business.

Freda was able to return to the farm for one final week. She was surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who sang, read scripture, and prayed with her. It was a special time that was given for a mom that loved unconditionally and showed the faithfulness of Christ throughout her life. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matt. 25:21

Memorials may be made to Choices (formerly Crisis Pregnancy Center) or donor’s preference, in care of Edwards Funeral Home.