BYRON – Freda Smith, 84, of Byron, passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband and children on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Born February 20, 1934 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to parents Clarence Chastain and Claudia (Childers) Chastain, Freda moved to Rockford, Illinois in 1953 and married Hubert Smith of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas on November 20, 1954 in Belvidere, Illinois. Hubert cherished Freda immensely and provided tender, loving, and attentive care to his bride of 63 years.
Freda was the consummate family woman. Her home was always open to family and friends. Her love was especially expressed through countless years of hosting wonderful family dinners on Sundays and any other nights her family could attend. When she wasn't hosting, she and her family could be found having fun and enjoying a meal in the home of her beloved parents, or one of her beloved siblings or friends. She and her traveling girls, her sister Betty and her friend Del, were experts at making any vacation cabin a great "home for a week at a time" for their lucky husbands, Hubert, Wayne, and Stan, and all the kids.
Freda raised 3 children and was overjoyed to spend time with her 9 grandchildren and blessed to welcome 5 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her extended family in Arkansas, Alabama, and Michigan, traveling for pleasure with friends and family, playing card games galore, and listening to Country music.
Freda is survived by husband Hubert Smith; sons Terry (Robin) Smith and Rick (Michele) Smith; daughter Susan (Steve) Borcherts; grandchildren Matthew Smith, Lindsay (Nate) Hays, Rachel Wihlborg, Renee Wihlborg, Sarah Smith, Laurin Smith, Samantha (Nathan) Hyland, Kimberlin Smith, and Braden Borcherts; great-grandchildren Bella Glidden, Hunter Hays, Olivia Roher, Tanner Hays, and Lucas Hyland; brothers Donald (Marie) Chastain, Robert (Joyce) Chastain, and L.D. Chastain; sister Betty (Wayne) Swinney; sister-in-law Lavonda Kunst; many beloved nephews and nieces; and special friends Stan and Del Miller.
Freda is predeceased by parents, Clarence and Claudia Chastain; brother Dorman Chastain; sister Claudette Jackson; brother-in-law Lloyd Jackson; sisters-in-law June Chastain and Ann Chastain.
Freda's family is forever grateful for the compassionate in-home care provided for her, and the caregiver support provided for Hubert, by April, Destiny, Jackie, Stephanie, and Val of Serenity Hospice and Home, and for the compassionate in-patient care and family support provided by the outstanding team at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon.
Burial following cremation will take place at a later date in Arkansas. A private celebration of life is planned for family and friends.
Memorials in Freda's name may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home.
