Freda Rae Tait's Obituary
Freda Rae Tait, age 89, of Centerville, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025 at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville.
Freda was born on November 5, 1935 in Centerville, Iowa at their family home. She was the daughter of Ray Harley Kerschner and Dot Deloris (Ulrick) Kerschner. She graduated from Centerville High School. On January 12, 1957, Freda was united in marriage to Wayne Tait. To this union, two children were born, Ray and Lyle.
Freda and Wayne were often found together, whether that be in public, in their home or out working on the farm. Freda was a true determined farmer's wife. Her main mission in life was to keep her boys fed, especially during harvest and hunting season. When the boys were younger, the family went to Canada every year to fish. She was also an avid worker on the farm, driving tractors and combines right beside Wayne, and she had a very green thumb-if she planted it, it grew. She thoroughly enjoyed planting flowers, filling the hummingbird feeders and then watching the hummingbirds throughout the day enjoy them.
In her free time, Freda loved camping at Old Thresher's, being around horses, and had a pony for 50 years. She was an amazing seamstress, sewing clothes, patching shirts, coats and pants. She made several quilts & stuffed toys, and even recovered a grandchild's rocking chair! Freda would also make coffee ice cream and chicken & noodles for her grandkids and great grandkids whenever they would ask. She loved and spending time with her family.
Left to cherish Freda's memory are her husband of 68 years, Wayne Tait; her children, Ray "Gene" Eugene (Shawn) Tait and Lyle (Tera) Tait; grandchildren, Megan (Ivan) Miller, Tyler Tait (Rachel), Shaniel (Brandon) DeBruin, Wyatt Tait, Nichole (Justin) Doll, Kyle Tait, and Dani Tait; great grandchildren, Viktor, Liliya, Olivia, Orlo, Parker and Kelsie; her sister, Charlotte Dunham; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Dot Kerschner; her in-laws, Earl Eugene Tait and Opal Marie Tait; and her brother-in-law, Lavern Tait.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life visitation service will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the 18-80 Club in Centerville from 12:00PM-4:00PM. Memorials may be made to Wayne Tait, to be determined at a later date, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Tait Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
What’s your fondest memory of Freda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Freda?
Share a story where Freda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Freda you’ll never forget.
How did Freda make you smile?