Frieda J. Whitecotton

Frieda J. Whitecotton, 76, of Parsons and formerly of Columbus and Chetopa, passed away at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Elm Haven Nursing Home in Parsons.

Frieda Jean LaPee was born on May 13, 1945, to John Patrick and Rozena May (Stewart) LaPee in Columbus, Kansas.  She grew up in Melrose and attended Pleasant Valley School until moving with her family to Chetopa when she was in the sixth grade.  In 1963, she graduated from Chetopa High School.

For many years, Frieda was a care giver for people in their homes.  She enjoyed working with and caring for the elderly.

Frieda and Mike Orler were united in marriage on September 26, 1966.  The couple divorced in 1972.  On May 18, 1986, she and Roy Whitecotton were married and the couple lived in Weir for a number of years.  He preceded her in death on February 5, 1999.  Frieda later returned to Chetopa.

She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Pittsburg.

Known for being a great cook, especially her famous potato salad, Frieda had many interests.  She loved collecting ink pens, doing embroidery and other arts and crafts, solving word puzzles and going fishing.  No one was a stranger to Frieda, who had a smile for everyone.  Her family extended beyond her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as she was known as mom and grandma to many others.  She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include:

Three children – Johna Orler Pillars and her husband, Donald, of Columbus, Kansas

Ywain Orler and his wife, Pam, of Welch, Oklahoma

Lisa Whitecotton Ballard and her husband, Chad, of Lebanon, Missouri

Twenty-five grandchildren

Forty-eight great-grandchildren

One sister – Sharon Ahrens and her husband, Cecil, of Welch, Oklahoma

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Whitecotton; three sons, infant Phillip Whitecotton, Michael J. Orler, Jr., and Robert E. LaPee; one grandson, Joey Stephens; one great-grandson, Dravin Whitecotton; and two sisters, Cora LaPee Shelton and Tena LaPee.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.  Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in rural Chetopa.  The family will receive friends 6 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home.