Adrienne G. Freeman, 72, died August 1, 2024, at Hutchinson Health and Rehab. She was born June 5, 1952 in Seattle, WA, to Floyd Hardin Freeman and Ann Frances Weatherill.
She was very independent, strong woman who spoke her mind. She had a great influence on the other young women in our family to be strong and independent.
She was the first woman union carpenter in Kansas.
The first woman to work at the oil refinery in McPherson, Kansas in a “man’s” job.
The first person in our family to get a college degree, at the University of Washington. Her degree was in teaching, and she taught underprivileged kids.
On August 14, 1994 she was in an accident and suffered a brain injury. Things took a dramatic turn at that time. I feel like we got blessed with another 30 years of her. We all thought, including the doctors, that was going to be the end. That stubborn streak in her came through and she prevailed.
She was loved and will be missed tremendously by family and friends.
She is survived by: her siblings, Larryann (Leonard) Barkman, Antonia (William) Ahlgrim, Germaine Cook, Matthew Freeman, Gerard Freeman, Ritchie Freeman, Monica (Ken) Kehlet, and Melanie Burges; 19 nieces and nephews; 28 great nieces and nephews; and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Thomas Gilmore; her parents, Ann Frances Weatherill and Floyd Freeman; and five siblings.
Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Laurel Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. The family encourages people to wear blue jeans for the service. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to The Reno County Food Bank, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.