Freda Thayer Obituary (2026)

Freda Thayer, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, was born on July 29, 1929, and passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Nana was the heart and center of her family. She was a devoted mother and an even more devoted grandmother, with generations of children who knew her love firsthand. She gave selflessly, never letting anyone go without and always putting the needs of others before her own. To know Freda was to be loved by her. She was feisty as they come--strong-willed, spirited, and full of personality. Nana knew what she wanted, spoke her mind, and kept everyone on their toes, all while loving fiercely. Her fire was matched only by her heart. She had a rare gift--everyone she met naturally became hers. She was known lovingly as Mom, Nana, GG, or Granny, and if you knew her, chances are you called her one of those names. Her home and heart were always open. She spent years caring for foster children and babysitting, pouring love, patience, and warmth into every child she welcomed. She formed deep, meaningful relationships with her grandchildren, many of whom spent extensive time by her side and held a very special place in her heart. She also shared a very special bond with her Daughter/Granddaughter Brandy (Ray); granddaughter Ashley Campbell (Josh); her great-granddaughter Sharon Getsinger (Ryan); her great-grandsons Elijah and Isaac Campbell and Ryan Wallace; and her great-great-grandchildren Hollee and Ryker Getsinger, who brought her immense joy. Nana loved to stay busy and on the go. She enjoyed shopping, chit-chatting on the phone with loved ones, and keeping up with everyone's lives. Those phone calls, full of laughter and conversation, were just one of the many ways she stayed connected to the people she adored. Freda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Bill Thayer Sr.; her daughter, Sharon Lee Wright; her son, Douglas Warren Thayer Sr.; her daughters-in-law, Cynthia Miller Thayer and Katherine Thayer; her parents, Jasper and Amy Norman; her sisters, May, Ellen, Faye, Linda, Nora, Clara, Mildred, and Thelma; and her brothers, Woodrow, Lindy, Burton, Tom, and Ed. Her granddaughter, Miranda Yohn, also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her children, Judy Yohn (Gary) and Raymond Bill Thayer Jr.; her grandchildren William "Billy" Wright (Kim) and Brandy Wallace (Ray), whom she raised as her own; her seven additional grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Bob Norman, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will continue her legacy of love. Above all else, Freda loved fiercely and unconditionally. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the family she held together, and the love she gave without limits. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten. Special shoutout to Brandy for all the time, love, and effort that she put forward to make Nana's last few months the absolute best for her!! There will be a viewing on Thursday, January 15th, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shaw and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Shaw and Sons, with burial to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow the conclusion of the burial at Shaw and Sons Funeral Home. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com