Freda Franklin

Freda Irene Franklin, of St.Thomas, PA, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 3, 2026, a few days before her 93rd birthday.
Freda was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.
Freda was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Kenneth L. Franklin; brothers Richard, Raymond, Donald, and Elwood Thumma; and sisters Margaret Anderson and Betty Miller. Freda has two surviving sisters Charlotte Dyer and Mary Hornberger. Freda is survived by daughters Chris Mann, Greta Elliott, and Keann (Turk) Russell and sons Karmon (Marian) Franklin, Michael (Shari) Ryder, and Lee (Tami) Evans. Freda also has numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She enjoyed visiting them and extended family throughout the United States and Canada.
Freda was born on March 11,1933 to Abraham Otis Thumma and Lovina Sarah (Leer) Thumma in Bloserville, PA. She grew up on a small farm and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse until the age of 10. She went to live with her Uncle John and Aunt Mary Leer in Huntsdale, PA, and was the only one of her siblings to attend school past the 8th grade. Freda helped with the family gas station after school and learned homemaking skills from her aunt. She enjoyed playing the piano for church, reading, and studying for school. Freda was valedictorian of her class and graduated from Carlisle High School in June 1951. On June 6, 1952, Freda married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth L. Franklin. In Sept.1952, Ken went to Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. Freda helped put him through school by working as a secretary at the college.
In 1955, Ken graduated from college and became an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. Together Ken and Freda ministered to and served various congregations while raising four children of their own. They gathered many spiritual children along the way. It was important to Freda to be a stay-at-home mom. She invested in the lives of her children and ran a tight ship. Freda preferred to stay home, but she enjoyed the ministry trips because she saw beautiful country and loved spending time with God's people.
Freda loved God with all her heart, mind, and strength and never wavered in her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. Freda also loved her neighbors; they quickly became friends that she enjoyed visiting and helping. Freda had a heart to serve others and often said, "I just want to be a blessing."
Freda was happy to volunteer at the local Red Cross blood drives and was honored for her many years of service.
Freda enjoyed being outside to weed her flowerbeds and help her husband with the garden. She was also willing to help her neighbors with their yards, even before they could ask. In her later years, yard work was her favorite pastime. No weed or stone out of place could escape her determined effort.
Freda will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes that could light up the room, for her spunky personality, her words of advice, and her fierce love for her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St.Thomas-Edenville United Methodist Church on March 28, 2026 at 11 am. Visitation with the family will be at 10 am. There will be a light meal after the service in the Fellowship Hall.