Frieda J. Whitecotton, 76, of Parsons and formerly of Columbus and Chetopa, died at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Elm Haven Nursing Home in Parsons.
Born May 13, 1945, in Columbus, Frieda Jean LaPee was the daughter of John Patrick and Rozena May (Stewart) LaPee. She grew up in Melrose and attended Pleasant Valley School until moving with her family to Chetopa when she was in the sixth grade. In 1963, she graduated from Chetopa High School. For many years, Frieda was a care giver for people in
For many years, Frieda was a care giver for people in their homes. She enjoyed working with and caring for the elderly.
Frieda and Mike Orler were united in marriage September 26, 1966. The couple divorced in 1972. On May 18, 1986, Frieda and Roy Whitecotton were married and the couple lived in Weir for a number of years. He preceded her in death February 5, 1999. Frieda later returned to Chetopa.
Frieda was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Pittsburg.
She was known for being a great cook, especially her famous potato salad, Frieda had many interests. She loved collecting ink pens, doing embroidery and other arts and crafts, solving word puzzles and going fishing. No one was a stranger to Frieda, who had a smile for everyone. Her family extended beyond her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as she was known as mom and grandma to many others. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Frieda is survived by three children: Johna Orler Pillars (husband, Donald,) of Columbus, Ywain Orler (wife, Pam), of Welch, Okla. and Lisa Whitecotton Ballard (husband, Chad), of Lebanon, Mo.; and sister, Sharon Ahrens (husband, Cecil), of Welch, Okla. Twenty-five grandchildren and forty-eight great-grandchildren also survive.
Freieda was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Whitecotton; three sons, infant Phillip Whitecotton, Michael J. Orler, Jr., and Robert E. LaPee; one grandson, Joey Stephens; one great-grandson, Dravin Whitecotton; and two sisters, Cora LaPee Shelton and Tena LaPee.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in rural Chetopa.