Freda Louise Michael

Freda has gone on to heaven to be with her Husband, Lonnie Jr; parents - Luchen and Leona Hicks; sisters, Patsy Ruth Hicks and Jean Lee and Viola Bailey; brother, Jackie Hicks; children, Sharon Nevis and Lonnie Michael III; and great-granddaughter Stephanie Nevis.

Honoring her memory are her grandchildren, James Nevis III, Valerie Cole, Jason Zamora, Tiffany (Jason) Canen and Sabrina (Brandon) Smith; great-grandchildren, Jimmy, Melissa, Sharon, Joshua, Cole, Aiden and Tyler; great-great grandchildren, Presley, Jasmine, Marlene, Adalynn and Aairalynn.

Freda was born May 31, 1925 in Diehlstadt, MO to Luchen and Leona Hicks. The first child of four she was a dedicated daughter and active student who even played basketball for Diehlstadt High! After graduating in May of 1943, Freda married her true love on June 27, Lonnie Michael Jr, becoming a young navy wife. After a few moves, Lonnie and Freda with their two children, planted roots in Newark, CA.

The home they created was one of love and laughter. Anyone was welcome, with open arms and defiantly something warm from the oven. It became a retreat for many for over 60 years.

A true child of summer, Freda brought sunshine with her wherever she went. She took on the role of "mother" to all those that needed it. When she was not cooking a comforting meal for her family, she was having a blast with her friends around a card table. Many will remember stopping in to find her creating extravagant cakes for weddings and birthdays. Perhaps you might have also found her making plum and apricot jams or creating something with either yarn, thread, paint or her baking tools. The best times were when you could catch her enjoying the view out her window while chatting on the phone with her sisters, her kids or her old school chums. She loved a good hearty conversation about this and that, and especially all about her loved ones. Her favorite was always an in person visit but she appreciated a honk and a wave, or even finding a note on her table that you came by after an afternoon of shopping. She loved to know you were thinking of her, because you can guarantee she was thinking of you.

As her family grew, her role as nurturer also expanded and she became our Gran-Gran. This is truly how everyone who grew up around Freda knows her. Gran-Gran was the ultimate friend and confidant. You could depend on her at any hour of the day to lend a sympathetic ear or helping hand. She was the keeper of everyone’s secrets. We all have our favorite “specially made by Gran Gran” meals and of course, desserts. No one can quite make a chocolate pie like our Gran-Gran.

The loss we share is deep and will be felt for a very long time. She will always be remembered.