Kathren Imogene "Ima" Freitas

Kathren Imogene Freitas, 86, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away at her home on March 4, 2026. Born on January 26, 1940, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Guy Arthur and Fannie Kathren (Evans) Shirk.

After graduating from Escalon High School in California, Imogene married Jerry Freitas on January 4, 1959. The couple shared 67 years together, raising two sons and creating a life filled with love and laughter. She worked at the local cannery in Modesto to help fund family vacations, then spent ten years as a telephone information operator with Pacific Bell. During that time, she and Jerry launched JIF Trucking, where she served as business and financial manager while also helping tend their six-acre walnut orchard, managing irrigation and mowing. A woman of deep faith, Imogene accepted Jesus into her heart at the age of four and remained an active church member throughout her life. She found great joy in gardening, was known as an exceptional cook, and cherished the warm friendships she maintained from high school and her church community.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Imogene is survived by her husband, Jerry Freitas of Fayetteville; sons Kevin Freitas and his wife Laneda of Bandon, Oregon, and Daniel Freitas and his wife Rebekah of Fayetteville; five grandchildren, Casey, Melissa, Shelby, Kaitlin, and Joshua Freitas and his wife Audrey; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.