Lille May Freelend

 Lillie “May” Freelend, 92,  Sarcoxie, passed away on Monday, Aug.23, 2021 at Freeman West Hospital, in Joplin.
Freelend entered this life on Nov. 3, 1928, in Wichita, Kan., to the union of the late Franklin Pierce and Retta Elvina (Reed) Martin. She moved to Joplin and began her career with Southwestern Bell Telephone, retiring Aug. 2, 1986 after 34 years of dedicated service. On July 26, 1986 she was united in marriage to Eldon Freelend, together they shared 35 years until her passing. She was an 80 year member of Free Methodist Church, serving in many capacities, treasurer, church board, Sunday school teacher, lead Bible study, and conference nominating and finance committee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Paul Freelend; grandson, Zachery Freelend; siblings, Louis Martin, Frank Martin, Edward Martin, Arinda Gary, Nora Bess Jordan, Ann Aldridge and Ella Letha Sitler; and son-in-law, Rodney Haines.
Freelend is survived by her husband, Eldon Freelend; children, Raymond Freelend (Cindy), Sarcoxie, Judith Haines, Carthage, Vivian Welters (Jerome),  Monett, Allen Freelend (Ronda), Carthage, and Vernon Freelend,  Joplin; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Freelend; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services for Freelend are 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 at Meadowridge Ministries, in Joplin, with Pastor Clifford Henry officiating. Interment will follow at Wild Rose Cemetery in Webb City. Visitation will be 1 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be directed to Bishop’s Crisis Response Fund, in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-godwinfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie.