Freda Ashburn

Freda O'Neal Ashburn, age 89, of Marion, Iowa, died on May 12, 2014, after a short illness. She was born on June 24, 1924 at Yocum, Arkansas, the daughter of Fred and Iva O'Neal. Freda graduated from high school from The School of the Ozarks in 1942. Freda married Cecil E. Ashburn on November 20, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri. They had one child, a daughter, Celia. She lived and worked as an office manager in Kansas City for 30 years before moving to rural Garnett, Kansas in 1973. She continued to commute to work in Kansas City until 1979. She then worked for the Anderson County Co-op from 1980 until her retirement in 1986. In 2000, the Ashburn's moved to Marion, Iowa to be near their daughter and her family. Freda loved spending time with her family and friends: fishing, boating, traveling, enjoying her grandkids' ballgames and concerts, holiday celebrations and summer fish frys. She always had an eager ear to listen and heart that easily loved. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil; her sister, Lorene Leonard; and her brother, Clifton O'Neal. Freda is survived by a brother, Wilburn O'Neal of Independence, Missouri; a daughter, Celia McAfee and her husband Duane of Marion, Iowa; a grandson, Kevin McAfee and his wife Magen of San Francisco, California; a granddaughter, Megan McAfee of Houston, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 19, 2014, at the First Christian Church in Garnett, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the funeral at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at the Garnett Cemetery following the services. Condolences may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com