Beverly J. "Jean" Freeby, 94, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully in her sleep at The Acres of New Carlisle on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 7:30 am. She was born July 24, 1929 in Elkhart to the widowed Ruth (Sassaman) Giese. Ruth married Charles W. Wood in 1935, who adopted Jean. Jean married Charles R. Freeby on November 19, 1960 in Elkhart. He passed away in 2012. Besides her parents and husband, Jean is preceded in death by her brother, Chas. W. "Bill" Wood, daughter-in-law, Kathy Freeby and grandson Mikey Freeby.

Surviving Jean are daughter Karly Kegerreis of Elkhart; sons Michael Freeby of Three Rivers, Michigan and Chuck (Diane) Freeby of South Bend; 11 grandchildren (Trina, Dionda, Brandon, Megan, Rachel, Peter, Christopher, Mary, Jeanie, Rosie and TJ); eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition, Jean will be missed by her loving church family and neighbors. The family also thanks her nurse, Sue, and her hairdresser, Maggie, who gave Jean great comfort in her final days.

Jean was a tireless worker, but her joys in life were less about paid work and more about service.  She held many volunteer positions with organizations such as the Mary Beck PTA and Soup of Success. She was a long-time active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed visiting with others and attending Bible study whenever she could. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, the American Businesswomen's Association, a group of friends she called "Sorority" and was a Notre Dame Women's Basketball season ticket holder.

She adored spending time with her grandkids and great-grandchildren, traveling extensively in the US, Canada and Europe, and creating her own greeting cards for any occasion. Sometimes, she might make up an occasion just to send a card and lift someone's spirits.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart will be hosting Jean's homegoing services on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at noon, with visitation beginning there at 10 am. The Reverend Andrew Budzinski of St. Matthew's Cathedral in South Bend will officiate. Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Women's Care Center

The Women's Care Center
229 W. Marion St, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-296-6603
Web: https://www.womenscare center.org/elkhart-indiana