Elma Mae Drenan Freudenthal

WILMORE - Elma Mae Drenan Freudenthal passed away on June 6, 2024, at the age of 98 in Wilmore. Born on May 5, 1926, in Ouray, Colorado, Elma was a journalist who made significant contributions to her field and community throughout her life.

Elma grew up during the Great Depression with her three siblings and graduated from Rosiclare High School. She pursued higher education at the University of Illinois, earning a degree in Journalism. Her career began in journalism as a reporter and she rose through the ranks to become a copy editor and later an editor at a newspaper. Elma's passion for the arts and community engagement led her to a role at the Kentucky State Department of the Arts, where she also hosted a television show on KET. She retired from that position in 1989.

Apart from her professional achievements, Elma was a devoted mother to her four children. She balanced her demanding career with raising her children and engaging in hobbies such as golf, solving crossword puzzles, writing, and cherishing the time spent with her family.

Elma is survived by her children, Janet Collins, Sue Clendenin, Don Freudenthal, and Patrick Freudenthal; her grandchildren, Matthew Collins, Emma Collins Vice, Ethan Collins; and great-grandchildren, Vivian Vice and Simon Vice. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward L. Freudenthal.

Memorial services were held at Wesley Village, where she resided at the time of her passing. Elma's ashes will be interred next to her husband at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Elma's memory to KET, Kentucky Talking Book Library, or Wesley Village in Wilmore, Kentucky. Through her contributions to journalism and the arts, as well as her role as a matriarch, Elma's legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.