Freda Clarice Estes, age 90 died on June 30, 2020 in Helena, MT.
Freda is survived by her son Robert and wife Marlene of Bullhead City, AZ; her daughter Patricia and husband Kern of Helena, MT and her grandchildren Nicole Estes Heidt, Joshua William Estes and Hannah Onnalee Estes. Freda was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years William Estes; daughter Mary Sue Estes and grandsons Timothy Sean Estes and Grant Andrew Estes.
Freda was born in Helena on February 7, 1930, to parents Peter Petek and Mary Ward. She was just one of the many Petek’s of East Helena. She had 9 siblings: Maxine, Irene, Pearl, twin brother Fred, Peter, Laverne, David, Jessie and Sharon.
After her husband William passed in 1981, Freda returned to Helena with her daughters Mary Sue, Patty and grandson Timmy to be near her family. Freda’s Montana roots go back to her grandparents Peter Petek and Mary Rigler who emigrated to East Helena from Slovenia in March 1887.
During Freda’s years in Helena she was a RSVP volunteer for 30 years working at St Peter’s Hospital and Ft. Harrison.
While at Ft Harrison she met a high school friend, Charles Cochrane and enjoyed time together for over 20 years. They shared Charlie’s passion of vintage cars as members of Capital Carriages Car Club.
Freda’s family would like to thank the staffs of St Peter’s Hospital, St Peter’s Hospice and Elkhorn Healthcare in Clancy and the staff at Retz Funeral Home. They all treated Mom with great care, respect and compassion.
Freda will be reunited with her husband, William at Jefferson, Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, Missouri.
A celebration of Freda’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. in Helena. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St Peter’s Health Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Freda.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 8, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 8, 2020
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Earline & Lawrence Oset says
We got to know Freda at the Ft. Harrison Thrift Store. She was a delightful lady to visit with, we always looked forward to seeing her. We are so sorry for your loss. RIP Freda, your rest is well deserved.
Darrell Beckstrom says
I knew Freda for many years through the car club! She was always a joy to be around, and was always willing to help out. I spend many moments with her and Charlie traveling the state with the club, and sharing experiences locally.
She will be missed.
glyn Verzatt says
I share the same thoughts as Darrell, Freda was there working before and after other club members arrived for a project or outing. My wife Belva always enjoyed a good visit at the Thrift Store. We will miss here and I personally will miss her Deviled eggs as they were the best ever!
Pat Downs says
I was sadden by the news of Freda’s passing. She was a lovely person and a joy to chat with at so many of our Car Club parties. My heart goes out to you Charlie, and to all who knew her as well.
I miss those years of Car Club, and pleased that Glyn has kept me in the loop all this time.
Best to all
Sylvia Banschbach says
I am greatly sorrowed to hear of the passing of Freda. I offer my condolences to her family, one and all. She was such an endearing person, that it was easy to take to liking and admiring her, right upon first meeting her. I enjoyed my short visits with her each time I delivered her Avon order. She took me right in her home and gave me a great order, the first time I appeared at her door with a brochure! Kind-heartedness and caring were her trademarks, as she was a genuine sweetheart. Hadn’t been in touch for a couple years with her, so I’m sad to say that this is a shock to me. I will think of her often, and Especially, every time I drive the way to go near her house. Rest In Peace, dear loving friend!