Katherine Elizabeth Freck

Born during the Great Depression, Kay grew up strong, smart, and talented, excelling in academics, athletics, and voice, earning a scholarship to an exclusive girls school. Soon after graduating, she met a handsome Marine named Bill at a USO dance. Sparks flew, and they married three months later, beginning a remarkable 71-year love story filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In their early years, Dad provided while Mom built a loving home. Though she had grown up in an orphanage from the age of three, she somehow figured out how to create what she always dreamed of, a home filled with imagination, warmth, and tradition. Later, she served as Assistant Treasurer in their Illinois town before she and Dad built a successful Kwik Kopy Printing business in Phoenix. Serving the community for 25 years, Dad ran the presses and Mom managed the finances, HR, sales, and customer relationships. Together they earned trust and respect through hard work and pride in every job.

Retirement didn’t slow Mom down. She made friends everywhere she went, shared beloved Christmas letters and homemade cookies, walked her dogs daily, and tended her beautiful roses. Mom never met a stranger, always sharing her beautiful smile and a kind word.

Though it was hard to watch her leave us, only nine days after dad, it was like she was saying "Wait for me!".

Words can’t express how deeply we love you, Mom. The memories of birthdays, holidays and traditions you created live on in pictures, songs and the hearts of three generations who will carry them on. You will be missed beyond measure and forever be our “Ride or Die.” We are blessed to know you are with Jesus, enveloped in His love and unspeakable joy, dancing with your handsome prince.

Always, Forever, No Matter What, Love your family, Daughter Beverly Stafford, Grandson James Stafford, Great Grandchildren Jordan and Corey Stafford, Granddaughter Jessica Collins with husband Tim and Great Grandchildren Kayleigh Bremer, Ryleigh and Halleigh Stafford, Hayley, Ally and Hunter Collins, Grandson Jake Moser, Son William Wayne Freck II, Grandson Tyler McKune, Great Granddaughter Jocelyn McKune, Granddaughters Katie and Jamie Freck, Daughter Barbara Stanfield with husband Scott, Grandsons Brandon and Austin Stanfield, Son Brian Freck.

The family deeply appreciates your love and support and would like to request that any floral tributes be replaced with donations in memory of Katherine Freck to Rescue a Golden of Arizona https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-in-memory-of-test-form or Halo Animal Rescue https://give.halorescue.org/campaign/651612/donate

The funeral and graveside service will take place on Friday March 13, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, Arizona.