Freda Faye Stinebaugh, 86, passed away in the early morning hours of June 15, 2019 at Billings Clinic hospital in Billings, MT, held in the arms of her granddaughters, Melanie Brown and Chevell South and surrounded by a family that deeply loved her.
Freda Faye Nordahl was born to Oscar and Mable (Wangsness) Nordahl in a cabin at Mosby, MT, on February 5, 1933. She grew up at the mouth of Calf Creek on the Musselshell River with her 2 sisters, Alice and Margit, and a brother, Raymond. She then attended High School in Jordan, graduating in 1950. She stayed in the dorm while attending high school.
There were not too many conveniences in her childhood, but Freda and her siblings made their own fun and never lacked for anything to do. They did lots of horseback riding and had cows to milk and chickens and pigs to feed and mastered the art of making mud pies. The kids did lots of sleigh riding in the winter, played cards and dominos. She learned how to hoe at an early age as they had a big garden every year. Trips to town were seldom, but when they did go, they went to Winnett.
On September 1, 1950, Freda married Roy Stinebaugh at the Presbyterian church in Miles City. They made their home on a ranch north of Jordan near Hell Creek. Roy and Freda were married for 62 years when Roy passed away in 2013. Roy and Freda farmed and raised cattle and sheep and had 2 daughters, Shelley and Rhonda.
When Roy and Freda’s first grandson, Ken Ryan was born, they were thrilled and spent every waking moment doting on him. They were overjoyed to have him around. Those were special years for both of them.
She was a very early riser and it wasn’t unusual for her family to wake up to the smell of something baking. Freda received a friendship muffin starter in 1986 and had continued it to this day. Freda was a wonderful home-maker and the best cook ever. Anyone who ever visited Roy and Freda always had a delicious home-cooked meal which usually included a selection of desserts. She would spend days baking and preparing food for holidays, brandings and docking crews.
Freda was organized and timely in everything she did and had beautiful handwriting. She liked numbers and kept everything in order. To say Freda enjoyed crosswords would be an understatement, she was a whiz at them. Mom had a strong faith in the Lord that sustained her. At the crack of dawn, she always studied her bible, journaled and had quiet time with God.
Freda shared a love of white butterflies with Chevell South and a love of rainbows with Ashley Mothershead. Ashley saw a double rainbow shortly after her passing.
Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Billings Clinic who cared for mom and the many prayer warriors who prayed for her. A special thank you to Mom’s dear friends Judy Bollinger and Rhoda Phillips for everything you have done for mom. Another big thank you to nephew Roger Fogle for being a rock in mom’s final hours.
Freda is survived by her daughters Shelley (Tom) Ryan of Jordan and Rhonda Mothershead of Wickenburg, AZ, 2 sisters, Alice (Kenny) Fogle of Jordan and Margit Laws of Eagle Creek, Oregon, 4 grandchildren, Ken Ryan of Jordan, Chevell (Kent) South of Jordan, Melanie Brown of Great Falls, Ashley Mothershead of Alexandria, VA, a special nephew, Will Stinebaugh and his wife, Melissa Stinebaugh of Perry, Georgia and their sons Hayden and Aaron, a special nephew Jack Hedstrom and his wife Sharon Hedstrom of Miles City, MT and their girls, Jannell, Shannon and Shelby and 7 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Roy, a great-granddaughter, Kortni South and her brother Raymond Nordahl. Say hello to Daddy and Kortni for us. We love you and miss you always.
Donations can be made to the Garfield County Ambulance Fund.
A private family service will be held at the Stinebaugh Family Cemetery at a later date.
“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Karen Barnes says
Sending hugs and prayers to all of Freda’s family – she was such a great person – it was a privilege to know her. May your good memories give you comfort at this time
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Sending condolences ,Prayers, Love ,and Hugs to all of Freda’s Family May you find comfort in all of your memories and In Gods Love She will be missed by all who knew her
Ashley Mothershead says
I will always love you Grandma. We know you are in a better place. We will miss hearing your laughter, eating your muffins and talking to you about the old days. Thank you for the beautiful legacy you’ve given. We cherish our memories with you forever and know God has a special angel by his side.
Floyd and Kay Beecher says
Our deepest condolences to all of Freda’s family. May many happy memories of your times with her sustain you in your time of sorrow.
Howard Shawver and Family says
I have so many fond memories of being out at Roy and Freda’s along with Tom and Kenny. Many great days and many great meals. She was an amazing lady and will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to the family.
Cheri & Tim Hafla says
Rhonda, Shelley, and Families,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Precious Freda, she was a joy to be around. She will be missed by all that knew her. Love and hugs to you all…
George and Susan Hageman says
Our sincere condolences to Freda’s family. The obituary is a beautiful tribute to a special lady.
Vonnie Wagner says
Rhonda and family, I am so sorry to hear about your mom/gramma. My thoughts are with you.
Jo Ryan says
Tom and Shelley and Rhonda and Families,
So sorry about Freda. She is at peace now. May you now treasure the good memories.
Connie Blonigen says
I’m saddened to hear of Freda’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family. Always enjoyed hunting out on the ranch and visiting with her and Roy.
Cindy Stanton says
Grandma Freedie will he missed by so many. What a wonderful lady. I treasure her written advice on cleaning tips and recipes. She made the absolute best frozen cream corn ever, as well as many other yummies. God speed beautiful lady.