Freda Vaughn Embler

Freda Vaughn Embler, a beloved member of the Asheville community, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 10, 1932, in Asheville, she dedicated her life to service and family, leaving a profound impact on those who knew her.

Freda had a distinguished career, contributing approximately 25 years to Vance Elementary School’s cafeteria until her retirement in 1992. She was known for her warm smile and dedication to nurturing the children she served, embodying the spirit of kindness and care in her daily interactions.

A proud graduate of Lee Edwards High School in 1950, Freda carried her education as a foundation for her lifelong commitment to learning and community involvement. She was a longtime member of Zephyr Hills Church, a place where her faith thrived and her love for her church family deepened.

Freda was a vibrant soul who cherished life and enjoyed many hobbies. She had a passion for water skiing and vegetable gardening, and was an enthusiastic bowler. Family was at the heart of her existence; she never missed a ball game for her children and grandchildren, always their most fervent cheerleader.

Freda is survived by her children: Debra McElrath, Carl A. Embler, Jr. and his wife Sharon, and Michael Lee Embler and his wife Monica. She took immense pride in her grandchildren: Leah Roberts and her husband Paul, Shane McElrath and his wife Joy, Kyle McElrath and his wife Naomi, Aaron Embler, III and his wife Jacqueline, Kelli Queen and her husband Brandon, Keith Snow and his wife Blair, Alexandria Embler and fiancé Dustin, Nolan Embler and fiancée Katie, Shannon Messer and her husband Harold, Jeremy McElrath and his wife Haley, and Tyler Paul and wife Emily. Freda was also the cherished grandmother of 17 great-grandchildren and is remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Aaron Embler, Sr., with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on May 24, 2014. Freda is also preceded in death by her parents, William E. Vaughn and Ruth Taylor Vaughn, along with her siblings: Norma Martin, Edith Conner, Algae Wix, and Bill Vaughn.

Freda Vaughn Embler will be honored during a visitation on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM, followed by a Celebration of her Life at 2:00 PM at Zephyr Hills Church, located at 283 Shelburne Rd, Asheville, NC.

Her legacy of love, faith, and community service will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Zephyr Hills Church, 283 Shelburne Rd, Asheville, NC.

Anders-Rice Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Embler family.