RAPID CITY- Freda M. Kelsey, 82, passed away quietly at her home, Saturday, August 25, 2018.

Freda was born on August 19, 1936 in Sheridan, WY to her parents Ella and Fred Meade. She was the youngest of three girls. As a teenager, she worked at the Sheridan Theater where she met and fell in love with Willis Kelsey. After marrying Willis, she moved often because of her husbands' job. Never having any children, she blessed the lives of her nieces and nephews by becoming their God Mother. Freda was also a very accomplished artist, displaying her art pieces in museums and selling consigned portraits. Her desire to retire in Rapid City became a reality. To her delight she decorated her home with her favorite colors and hung on the walls the pictures she had painted. Willis and Freda were married over sixty years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis; and older sisters: Betty Sloan and Nancy Copp.

Freda is survived by her sister in law, Patsy Secrest; nieces: Klee Elwood; Susan Andrews; Jean Hutchings; Patty Pattison; and Nancy Hanson; and nephews: Jeffrey Garrett; Jerry Copp; and Chip Copp.

Freda will be remembered for her beautiful artwork, devout faith in Christ; and her clever wit and humor.

Celebration of Life Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 30, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Johnson officiating. Visitation will be for 30 minutes prior to services.

Interment will be at 12:00 noon at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.