Barb Freeman

Barbara Joan Freeman, 77, of Jefferson, passed away July 21 at the Greene County Medical Center.

A celebration of life was held July 25 at The Dwelling Place in Jefferson, with Pastor Rod Block officiating. The family greeted friends at the church until the time of the service.

Barbara was born in Carroll on June 24, 1942, the daughter of Floyd Raymond and Ruth Irene (Gibson) Monthei. Barb attended her younger school years in Cooper, and was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School.

On Aug. 21, 1960, Barb married the love of her life, Charles Arden Freeman, at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. She spent most of her life as a homemaker, loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Her greatest joy was her family and grandchildren.

She attended the Open Bible Church in Jefferson, where she played the piano for many years and taught Sunday school. Recently she started attending The Dwelling Place.

Barb’s favorite saying was “making memories,” and she did that so well. 

She was an avid reader of the Bible and wrote incredible devotions and inspiring thoughts. Her relationship with Jesus was her top priority, followed by her love for her family and everyone she encountered. 

She was known by all as an incredible woman of God.

Barb is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Arden; four daughters and two sons:  Lisa (Wes) Klobnak, of Waukee; Deborah (Greg) Carr, of Bismarck, N.D.; Rodney (Becky) Freeman, of Jefferson; Craig (Kelly) Freeman, of Jefferson; Tammy (Greg) Amick, of Stanley, N.C.; Kimberly (David) Block, of Jefferson; 25 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Larry and Kenny Monthei, of Cooper; numerous brothers-in-love and sisters-in-love; nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Rich Monthei; one grandchild; and six great-grandchildren.

Mom has gained her heavenly reward and is now singing with the angels and dancing with her beloved sister-in-love, Deb Monthei.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home assisted the family.