Ardath Louise Friudenberg

Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Child of God and one of the kindest, most humble and loving women passed peacefully to meet her Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ on September 15, 2023, just 12 days shy of her 91st birthday.

Ardath Louise Self King Friudenberg was the second of nine children born to James Truett Self and Ava Lou Griffin Self in Wingate, Texas. She was raised on a working farm in Cedar Springs, Texas, with tomatoes and watermelon being their specialty. Family, faith, music, and hard work were the core of the sibling’s upbringing. Singing and playing musical instruments were always their favorite entertainment. The family history includes a 7th great grandfather, Lt. Nathan Gann who served in the American Revolutionary War. Other family pioneers coming from Ireland, England, Germany to America arriving in Virginia and through North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and finally into Texas in 1845.

Shortly after high school, Ardath married Frank Clay King. Their family started with the birth of Susan Louise, then Clifford Wayne, Frances Jane, and Teresa Ann. She was the ultimate homemaker, keeping a spotless home, preparing wonderful homemade meals, incredible baked goods, canning, and tending an outstanding flower garden. Everyone fought over her coconut and chocolate pies! She lived out her faith in many charitable ways towards others and her extended family. There was always room at her dining table for one more.

After the untimely death of her young first husband in 1962, she managed the adversity of being a single parent to four young children with admiration. We always knew how much she loved us and made us feel special. She did find love again, and married family friend Frank Eugene “Gene” Friudenberg, Sr. in 1966. With this marriage she gained three bonus children, Frank Jr., Chloe, and David. Ardath and Gene were extremely busy the following years, raising seven children, being involved in their activities, keeping up their home, gardening, and his work career.

The last years for Ardath and Gene were not easy health wise, but throughout the challenges they remained devoted to each other and their family. After the death of Gene in 2019, she lived in New Braunfels. They were married 53 years at the time of his death.

Ardath’s daughters and their spouses left to cherish her memory are Susan King Sonier (Jerry), Jane King DeWitt (Bob), and Teresa King. Her grandchildren: Clark, Andy, Brooke, Ryan, Tyler, and great grandchildren: Clayton, Tucker, Carter, and Callen. Her bonus children Frank (Jeanie), Chloe (Roy), and David (Sheryl); bonus grandchildren Lori, Nicki, LeeAnn, R.L., Haley, and Shelby. Bonus great grandchildren Tori, Bailey, Jocelyn, Taylor, Clay and great great grandchildren Natalie, Whitten, Adley, and Ellie. Ardath is also survived by two sisters and two brothers, along with their families.

Ardath was predeceased by her two husbands, her parents, three brothers, one sister, and her beloved son, Wayne. We grieve the loss of our mother, but we celebrate her life well lived and cherish the legacy of love she left within us. Our hearts are happy as we know she is once again healthy and united with her dear family that went before her. Our mother was an amazing woman in countless ways, but most of all in the love for her family and her faith.

We are very grateful to Sundance Inn Health Center staff in New Braunfels and Hope Hospice New Braunfels for their care of our mother, especially Nurse Jessica & Chaplain Mike. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations be made to Hope Hospice New Braunfels or to the Historic Clover Hill Cemetery, Lott, Texas in her memory.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Lott, Texas on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:00 am with graveside service following at Clover Hill Cemetery.