Freda Griffin

Freda (Hicks) Griffin, 97 years, 2 months, and 0 days old, departed this life on May 28, 2022, at the Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri, with her loving family by her side.

Freda was born on March 28, 1925, in Buckhart, Missouri, to Oliver and Mayme (Brown) Hicks. Mayme passed away when Freda was only 10 years old. Oliver later married Bertha Brown Moss, who became her stepmother. Freda grew up in Douglas County, attending various country schools through 8th grade.

She was united in marriage to Arthur Lee (Art) Griffin on September 13, 1947, in Ava, Douglas County, Missouri. They were blessed with five children: Pam, Larry, Debbie, Billy, and Gina.

Freda was employed as a floor lady at Brown Shoe Company in Mountain Grove for a few years until she retired to become a homemaker, devoting her life to loving and caring for her family and home.

Freda was known for being an excellent cook. Her family especially looked forward to Thanksgiving at her house. She was known for her cornbread dressing, homemade noodles, and dumplings. She was a wonderful baker when it came to cakes, pies, and cobblers. Birthdays were never complete without her German chocolate cake. Freda enjoyed many activities over the years including piecing quilts, sewing, embroidery projects, and canning. After retirement, she and Art enjoyed time at the Senior Center, road trips to the many mills, falls, and springs throughout the Ozarks, restaurants and shows in Branson.

Freda was baptized as a young adult and her faith was very important to her, as well as spending time with her church family. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Mountain Grove and was a faithful member until her health no longer permitted. In her younger years, she enjoyed helping with VBS, potluck luncheons, ladies quilting group, gospel singings, and visiting homebound friends.

Besides her parents and stepmother, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Art Griffin, in 2017; her son, Larry Griffin, in 2012; brothers, Noah Hicks and Felda Hicks; and sisters, Nellie Bradley, Gladys Mason, Katie Riley, and Barbara Mings.

She is survived by her three daughters: Pam Canton (Dwayne) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Debbie Griffin of Springfield, Missouri, and Gina Gunnels (Jim) of Mountain Grove, Missouri; and one son, Billy Griffin of Mountain Grove. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Shellye Jaggers (Steve), Douglas Canton (Erin), Preston Griffin (Shannon), Nathan Griffin (Melissa), Brandon Friend, Mitch Friend (Emily), Katelyn Evetts, Megan Woodrow (Scott), Allison Akers (Seth), Candice Yazell (Brad), and Erica Harris (Clint); 19 great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Troy Mings; and one sister-in-law, Della Hicks; plus a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Freda leaves behind a wonderful legacy for her family and all who knew her. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.