Phyllis Marie Freedlund's Obituary
Phyllis Marie Freedlund passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 2, 2026. Lovingly known as "Mom," "Gangah," and "GiGi." Phyllis was born to Grace Irene (Johnson) Roseberry and Walter Joseph Roseberry on March 11, 1944, in Union Township, Ohio.
Phyllis grew up on a farm alongside her sister and three brothers. She often shared fond memories of showing hogs at the Ohio State Fair and buying brand new school clothes with her earnings. Known for her crystal blue eyes and short dark hair throughout her life, she attended West High School in Columbus, Ohio. She cherished many high school reunions and stayed connected with lifelong friends.
At 19, Dale Freedlund, a man in the Marines, wrote to her after seeing her beautiful high school photo. They fell in love through handwritten letters and soon married. They relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Dale to attend Spartan Aeronautical and they purchased their first home where she resided for over 50 years.
She loved her beloved home and adored her neighbors. Her only daughter, Michele, was her best friend and confidant in every season of life. In her 30s, 40s, and beyond, she enjoyed bowling, ballroom dancing, chatting online with friends, traveling and cheering on her Ohio State Buckeyes and Tulsa Hurricane teams.
She had TU season tickets to football and basketball games well into her 70s. She inherited her love of music from her parents, learned the piano as an adult and played the radio around the clock. She read the Tulsa World newspaper daily at her kitchen table with her black coffee.
She enjoyed soaking up the sun in her lounge chair on her back patio with her wind chimes in the background. And, she never passed up a good ice cream sundae or strawberry shake from Braum's. She had a strong work ethic which knew no bounds.
She earned an Associate Degree from Tulsa Junior College in Accounting in 1986 and Bachelor of Business Administration from Langston University in 1993. She worked as an Accounting Manager for numerous companies including Buckeye, Pepsi-Cola, Occidental Petroleum, Williams and others.
In her retirement years, she continued to work for O'Reilly Auto Parts, Bass Pro Shops, JC Penny, catering at the Mayo Hotel and driving for Uber. Phyllis loved the Lord and was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church.
She was especially strengthened by her Phoenix Sunday School group which became a source of encouragement and friendship after her divorce. Known for her generosity and fierce love for her family, she doted on her daughter and granddaughters daily and delighted in hearing every detail of their lives.
When in-laws and great-grandkids came along, she quickly added them to her list of pride and joys! She would have given her last penny to make sure they were taken care of. Phyllis is survived by her sister, JoAnn Radwin- Zimmerman (Dan); her sister-in-law, Janet Roseberry, her daughter, Michele Fowler; and son-in-law, David Brown; her granddaughters, Jessica Garrett (Patrick), Heather Corbit (Brian), and Sarah Beers (Kegon); and eight cherished great-grandchildren: Weston, Travis, and Lexie Garrett; Nora and Owen Corbit; and Conner, Emmett, and Kate Beers; and nieces and nephews..
She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, David, John and Joe. In her final years, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter and son-in-law, David Brown and the compassionate staff of Cearu (now Ignite), Legends and Franciscan Villa.
Her warmth, strength, and devotion to family leaves a legacy and will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wednesday, March 11th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A service will be held at 3:00 PM at the Floral Haven Chapel.
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