Freda Christian

Freda Helene Roahrig Christian, age 91, of West Lafayette, passed away at Grant Hospital, Columbus, OH on April 20, 2014, after a long life of service and recent illness. Freda was born Dec. 29, 1922 near Plainfield, to the late Carson and Ella (Cosby Lusk) Roahrig. She grew up on a 205 acre farm, doing any needed chores. She attended Sand Banks School for two years and graduated from Plainfield H.S. in 1941 as Valedictorian. During WWII, she was employed by the Cleveland Ordnance District as an inspector of ordnance material at Firestone Industrial Products Co., Coshocton. She also worked at Reeves Steel, Dover, and at Line Material Co., Zanesville. Later she attended Muskingum College Extension, Coshocton. She enjoyed reading, sending cards, making Party Mix, and visiting with family and friends.

On June 26, 1946, Freda married Merrill C. Christian (Sylvester P. Ozmun officiated) at the Plainfield (now United) Methodist Church, where she had been a member since 1936. Merrill passed away December 4, 2004.

Freda was a homemaker. She was a member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church since 1947. She was a member and past-president of: The United Methodist Women, The Together Sunday School class, and Coshocton County Church Women United; a member and past chairman of the Missions Committee; a member of the Administrative Council for over 20 years; a member of the Merry Ringers for 15 years and taught a Sunday School class for 30 years. She was a past President of the local American Legion Auxiliary and a Red Cross Volunteer for many years. Freda was also a Cub Scout Den Mother for 10 years.

Since 1993, Freda had been the caregiver of her husband, Merrill, who had Parkinson’s disease for 11 years. Surviving are her three sons; Richard E. of Toney, AL; Ronald L. of Coshocton, OH; and Jon M. (Vicki) of Nelsonville, OH; grandsons, Paul, Patrick and Alex; granddaughter, Ramona; one great-grandson, Ryan; one nephew, two nieces, a sister-in-law, Agatha Roahrig, and several cousins.

Preceding her in death besides her husband, were two half-brothers; Eldred Roahrig and Elmer Lusk, and a half-sister Audrey Addy.

Calling hours will be held at The West Lafayette United Methodist Church with arrangements by Given-Dawson Funeral Home, on Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 3:00-5:00 P.M, and one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 28, 2014 at 11:00 at the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, corner of Oak and Union with Pastor Sue Chidley officiating. Interment immediately following the funeral at Fairfield Cemetery, West Lafayette, OH, which will be followed by a return to the church where the congregation will be providing a lunch.

Memorial Contributions in Freda’s name may be made to The West Lafayette United Methodist Church. An online memorial may be viewed at www.given-dawsonfuneralhome.com.