Freda Harshbarger Yingling

Freda Harshbarger Yingling passed away Thursday in her home, surrounded by her loving children, after a brief illness.

Freda was born on May 5, 1931 in southern Ohio and was the daughter of John and Oretha Strait, and the daughter-in-law of Glen and Irene Harshbarger, all of Mogadore, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her brother, John L. Strait Jr. Freda was a graduate of Mogadore High School, where she met and later married Charles (Chuck) Harshbarger, her husband until his death in 1981.

As a young woman, Freda worked at the Pentagon, while Chuck was in the Marines in Korea, both later returning to reside in Ohio. She will be remembered as a kind and loving mother to her three children, Debra (Mark) Valatka of Green, Mark (Gail) Harshbarger of Akron, and Eric Harshbarger of Cleveland; and as a proud and loving grandmother to Hillary, Chase and Kyle. Freda loved spending time with her immediate and extended family and staying in touch with her many lifelong friends.

She enjoyed a life of love and laughter and will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, her devotion to her family and friends and her incredible sense of humor. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister, whom she adored, Carmen Cooper of Columbia, Md.; as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Also preceding her in death was her second husband, Chuck Yingling of Newcomerstown, Ohio.

It was her wish to be cremated with no public service. She hoped instead that those that had known and loved her would celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would ask that you remember her by performing a kindness for someone in need.