Freida Yeakley

Freida Arlene Yeakley, 81, of Forsyth, IL, joined her husband Larry and infant son Matthew in Heaven on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Freida's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Decatur, Father Richard Weltin, Celebrant, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Freida was born September 15, 1931 in Covell, Illinois to Jeanie and Ruth Karnes, child number 1 of 12. Freida spent her childhood laughing, playing and working on the family farm. She loved the farm animals and pets. Being the oldest child of 12, she lovingly helped care for her 11 siblings (just like an "Old Mother Hen"). As a young woman she worked as a waitress in Argenta. She subsequently was employed at Decatur Wholesale House where she met her one and only love, Larry. The majority of her career was as a Bookkeeper at Kelly Potato Chips and Bayless TV. Freida and Lawrence were married on November 29, 1956. They were blessed with a son Mark, daughter Marla and son Matthew. Freida loved her Lord, family, friends, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Her door was always open when anyone needed to sit and chat over a cup of coffee. Freida was a wonderful cook. Everyone loved her apple and peach cobblers. She enjoyed hosting Christmas dinners in her home every year for the family, sometimes serving as many as 50. She was loving wife, mother, and friend to all. Freida is survived by her son Mark and daughter Marla Darsham (Gary Saner) of Forsyth; brother-in-law Kenneth Smith of Monticello; brother Russell (Betty) Karnes; brother Stanley (Reta) Karnes of Monticello; brother Joe (Opal) Karnes of Paradise, California; brother Ivan (Elaine) Karnes of St. Elmo; brother Elbert Karnes of Beecher City; brother Donald Karnes of Shelbyville; brother Owen Karnes of Brownstown; brother Irvin (Wanda) of Tower Hill; brother Danny (Nancy) Karnes of Pana; brother-in-law Robert (Peggy) Yeakley of Hammond. Freida was preceded in death by her husband Larry, son Matthew, parents Jeanie and Ruth; brother Charles; and sister Lorena. The family would like to express their gratitude to dear friends Mary Jo Hammer and Teresa Wrigley; friends at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; all family friends through the years; Dr. Brian Yocks and caring staff; and the nurses, physicians, and caring staff at St. Mary's Hospital. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
}