Freda Elsie (Schmid) Lee passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2026, in the very house where she was raised, surrounded by her loving family—especially her grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life.
Early Life
Freda was born on January 15, 1940, to Walter and Genevieve Schmid of New Plymouth, Idaho. She grew up on the family farm alongside her older siblings, Joe and Rose E., surrounded by extended family and close neighbors who helped shape her strong sense of community and connection.
She attended school in Fruitland, Idaho, graduating from Fruitland High School in 1958, where she was active in school activities, including playing the marimba in the band.
Love & Marriage
After high school, Freda attended the University of Idaho, studying physical therapy and nursing. It was there she met the love of her life, Arthur, while both were working at Hays Hall—Art in the kitchen and Freda as head hostess.
With a little encouragement from Freda, Art asked her out—and she “probably said yes.” Their first date was bowling, and from that moment on, their love story began.
Freda and Art were married in 1962 under a birch tree on her family’s farm, beginning a life filled with love, partnership, and shared purpose.
Work, Farming & Community
The couple lived in Portland, Oregon for four years before returning to New Plymouth to help on the family farm. Freda was known for her incredible work ethic—milking cows, irrigating, driving trucks—but her true specialty was raising calves, especially her beloved Jersey cows.
She later became the primary contact for the farm’s asparagus distribution, continuing her role as a vital part of the operation.
Freda’s service extended far beyond the farm. She was:
- An active member of the Fruitland United Methodist Church
- A 4-H leader for over 30 years
- A founding member of the New Plymouth Quick Response Unit, serving as an EMT for over 20 years
She took great pride in helping others in times of need, often responding to emergencies before ambulances could arrive.
Service, Impact & Legacy
Freda was a natural problem solver and caregiver. After the loss of her daughter-in-law to breast cancer in 2003, she worked to bring mammogram services to rural women, organizing annual visits to improve access to screenings in her community.
She was honored as Farm Bureau District 4 Farm Wife of the Year in 1982 and spent years hosting farm tours for school children, helping them experience farm life firsthand.
Her favorite moment was watching children’s amazement as they learned that milk is warm straight from the cow.
Home & Personal Life
Freda and Art’s home was always open—a place where anyone could come for a meal, conversation, and connection. They hosted exchange students and welcomed many who needed guidance, support, or simply a place to belong.
Freda was an incredible cook, shaped by Depression-era values of “waste not, want not.” She collected recipes and friendships alike, building a legacy of generosity, warmth, and community.
Preceded in Death
Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Genevieve Schmid; her siblings, Joe and Rose E.; and an infant daughter.
Survived By
She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 64 years, Art; her children and their spouses: Galen and Cindy Lee, Ramona and Leonard Mess, and Genaura and Todd Wells; and her many beloved grandchildren—both by blood and by the many lives she touched as a second mother and “auntie mom.”
Services
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, Oregon.
The service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
- Fruitland United Women in Faith (Fruitland UMC)
- Ancora Hospice Legacy Foundation
- Or a charity supporting youth or music
Freda’s life was one of service, strength, and deep love for her family and community. Her legacy will continue to live on in every life she touched.
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