Mary Emma Freeman, 102, of Wichita, formerly of Hutchinson, died August 11, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, KS. She was born May 24, 1923, in Arma, KS, to Charles Renwick and Ella Lucille (Herron) Oyler.
Mary graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1941. She dedicated herself as a homemaker to care for her family and home. Her experience in living through the great depression impacted her discipline and ability to make ends meet. Mary was a “Rosie the Riveter” and that is where she met her first husband, Harold. After they married, she followed him to several cities in the U.S. as he trained for his military service.
In her spare time Mary enjoyed, traveling, daily walks, Jigsaw puzzles, baking, sewing, and planting her own flowers. Above all, Mary’s favorite time was spent with family and attending her children and grandkids’ sports, musical, and theatrical events. Mary loved family gatherings serving homemade ice cream and cookies. In addition, Mary felt very good about her volunteer work at Economy Corner, Wichita. She was a woman of strong faith who loved serving and worshipping at Forest Park Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson and Grace Presbyterian Church in Wichita.
On October 25, 1942, she married Harold Fred Wade, in Hutchinson, they shared over 30 years of marriage, prior to his death on October 30, 1972. On December 27, 1983, she married John Dee Freeman, in Hutchinson, they shared over 10 years of marriage, prior to his death on February 27, 1994.
Mary is survived by: her children, Anne (Terry) Woolsey of Wichita, KS, Robert (Connie) Wade of Dayton, OH, Jeanie Wade Nagle of Iowa City, IA, and Jan (Randy) Love of La Quinta, CA; grandchildren, Carrie (Bill) Leary, Natalie (Chad) Merten, Travis (Kayla) Martin, Ben (Angie) Wade, Emilia (Brad) Deem, Lindsey (Travis) Hill, Ashley (Chris) Love-Skrabec, and Kiley (Kevin) Lester; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her husbands; parents; son-in-law, Gary Nagle; 3 brothers; and 1 sister.
A private family graveside service will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Presbyterian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.