Fredia Pattison Gaby

1934 - 2024

Fredia Pattison Gaby passed away Saturday after a lengthy illness.

Born Sept. 6, 1934, in the Pilot Knob community, she saw many changes and embraced a myriad of obstacles with grace and strength. Never one to run from a challenge, she spent years trying to make life better for other people, very often putting her own needs on the back burner. An advocate for handicapped kids, foster children and the elderly, Fredia was often the voice of reason in a world of chaos. Fredia was a life-long learner who valued education, integrity and hard work. Her home and the family was her supreme passion.

Married to the love of her life May 18, 1951, at the ripe old age of sixteen, Phil Gaby. Fredia made her place in the Woodlawn community and on the family farm where she raised four children. The couple always made room for anyone who might need a place to hang out for a while.

A superb cook and homemaker, her house was always a place of respite and plenty of food, most of which she grew herself. A woman of very strong faith, she was known to offer sage advice and a plateful of food to anyone who might want to listen.

Fredia is survived by three children: Mark Gaby, Tim (Mary Sue) Gaby, and Debbie Tench; and grandchildren: Susan, Haun, Sarah, Ben, Philip, Charles, and Erin. She was blessed to enjoy several great-grandchildren: Delilah, Eliza, Mary Jane, Carter, Charlie, Abby, Kaylie, and McKenzie.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Phil; her son: Fred; and a grandson: Bart.

She will be laid to rest Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the family cemetery on the farm.

Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service are in charge of the arrangements.