Freida F. Johnson

Freida Fae Johnson, 88, of Columbia, Missouri, and formerly of Louisiana, Missouri, passed away on January 8, 2026. She was born on March 15, 1937, in Ochelata, Oklahoma, to Conley and Vertie (Ingle) Kindley, the youngest of six children and proudly known as the baby of the family.

After several moves during her childhood, Freida's family settled in Haven, Kansas, where she graduated from high school in 1955. It was there that she met the love of her life, Galen Johnson. The two were married on June 9, 1956, beginning a marriage defined by deep devotion, shared laughter and unwavering partnership. Though each had their own interests and pursuits, they were truly inseparable and found their greatest joy in each other's company. For 67 years, their lives were woven together through family, work, travel and a shared love of people, until Galen's passing in 2023.

In 1961, Freida became a mother, welcoming her only child, Lori, into the world. The two shared a special, unbreakable bond marked by endless love, much joy, some tears, continuous support and countless conversations, both in person and over the telephone. That relationship remained one of the most important and defining parts of Freida's life.

Freida worked for the United States Post Office in Haven for 16 years, a job she truly loved, largely because it gave her the chance to connect with people each day. Her gift for conversation and genuine interest in others meant she never met a stranger. In 1979, the family relocated to Louisiana, Missouri, following Galen's job transfer with Panhandle Eastern. There, she acclimated to her new home and made deep, lifelong friendships.

When Lori married Roger, Freida wholeheartedly embraced the family she inherited, forming a loving and meaningful bond with Roger and his son, David. She loved being "Nene" to her grandson Kyle and "Big Nene" to great-grandchildren Logan, Jackson and Elise, and took special pride in watching them grow. She was adored and captured a special part in each of their hearts.

Above all else, Freida loved people: her family, her friends and anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She loved the beach, family gatherings and the simple pleasure of being together.

Freida is survived by her daughter Lori (Roger); grandsons Kyle (Erin) and David (Jessica); and great-grandchildren Logan, Jackson and Elise. She is also survived by her sister, Jessie (Kindley) Huston of Hutchinson, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Galen Johnson; her parents, Conley and Vertie Kindley; her sisters Ruth (Kindley) Winters and Lois (Kindley) Lyons; and her brothers Norman Kindley and Donald Kindley.

The family extends their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Westbury Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice. Their kindness, compassion and genuine love for Freida provided comfort and dignity beyond measure, and the family cannot adequately express their appreciation for the care she received until the very end.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00 at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia, Missouri, with funeral service immediately following at 2:00.

Memorial contributions may be made to Love Columbia, 1209 East Walnut, Columbia, Missouri 65201 or to the charity of donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, Missouri.