Freeda Carol Terry

Freeda Carol Terry passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on November 17, 2024, at the age of 92. Freeda was born in Lewistown Montana on December 25, 1931 to Walter and Loretta (Nelson) Arthur, the second of 4 children, Alice, Freeda, Betty and Franklin Arthur. She began her childhood in Denton Montana and the family moved to Winifred. 

 Graduating from Winifred High School in 1949, she met and fell in love with Charles “John” Carlstrom while in school and now that she had graduated they planned to marry. Her dad refused at first to sign the marriage papers since she was only 17 but later agreed and they got married on September 4, 1949. They were blessed with four beautiful children, Wayne George, Jack Arthur, Carol Sue, Keith Robert. While raising their kids in Winifred they had many adventures in hard work and businesses one of them being owning the Winifred Grocery. After selling the store they took on jobs as janitors at the Winifred Public School. John passed away suddenly on December 3, 1975. After John’s death, she continued on at the school, shoveling coal through the winter, cleaning and many other roles. Freeda taught her kids the value of a strong work ethic by setting an excellent example of hard work and dedication to everything she set out to accomplish. 

 Freeda started dating Grant "Von" Terry in 1980. She refused to marry Von while her youngest, Keith, was still in school. After Keith graduated they were married on November 16, 1984. Von owned and operated Terry Apiaries in Winifred and Freeda was thrilled with the opportunity to learn a new trade and help in the business. They moved to Visalia California shortly after they were married to operate the Bee business. They brought her son Jack into the business in 1985 followed by her son Keith in 1987. Von passed away after a courageous battle of Cancer January 2, 1987. Freeda remained living in California for 10 months out of the year and Montana 2 months operating the bee business with her sons. She moved back to Winifred in March of 2020. 

 Freeda had an infectious giggle and a smile that lit up the room. She had a way about her that drew people to her and it wasn’t just for her legendary Cinnamon Rolls or her plates of Christmas Candy that many of her friends and family looked forward to receiving every year. Family was her greatest legacy and her proudest accomplishment. The stories of Freeda and her full, beautiful life, the love she taught her family to feel and share will be shared for generations. 

 Freeda was preceded in death by her parents, Husband George “John” Carlstrom, 2nd husband Grant “Von” Terry, Sisters Alice Bolstad and Betty Jensen, Brother Franklin Arthur, Son Wayne G Carlstrom November 13, 2008, Daughter Carol Sue Ehlert April 1, 2024, and Grandson-in-law Robert “Spanky” Haynie April 5, 2024. She is survived by her Son Jack (Conny) Carlstrom and Keith (Katherine) Carlstrom, Son-in-law Alan Ehlert. Sister-in-law Donna Rowley, Grandchildren, Michael (Susan) Carlstrom, Michelle (Loren) Billedeaux, Jonathan (Kristin) Carlstrom, Lucinda Carlstrom, Britney Haynie, Kelsey (Zach) Sharp, Great Grandchildren Kaylie (Daulton) Haczewski, Jared Carlstrom, Alex Billedeaux, Ethan Carlstrom, Kayden Nagel, Amilliea (Millie) Sharp, Great-Great Grandchildren Charlette and Darren Haczewski. And many many dear friends. 

A service to honor Freeda's remarkable life will be held at the Winifred School on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception. Graveside services at Sunset Memorial to follow the reception. As we reflect on Freeda’s life, we are reminded of the comforting words from Psalm 23. 

 As we bid farewell to Freeda, may we find solace in the promise of peace and eternal life, guided by the Lord's steadfast love.

 Memorial contributions can be made in Freeda’s name to the Winifred Methodist Church 504 Main Street, Winifred, MT 59489, or to Winifred Community Ambulance Club Inc. C/O Jenny Wherley PO Box 3 Winifred, MT 59489.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com