Freda I. Weaver, 97, of Ottumwa died at 9:07 p.m. September 22, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.
She was born August 17, 1929 in Davis County to Paul and Opal Allen Bullock. She married Lavern Weaver October 17, 1947 and he preceded her in death October 11, 2013.
A 1947 graduate of Bloomfield High School, Freda lived in LaSalle, IL, Indianapolis, IN, twice in Urbandale and then in Ottumwa. In the 1970s, Freda and Lavern owned and operated Weaver’s Mens Shop and The Jean Place in downtown Ottumwa with Freda working from home as the bookkeeper and advisor. When the children went away to college, Freda ventured into the business world on her own, operating Leanne’s Sportswear in downtown Ottumwa for 13 years. After “retirement”, Freda and Lavern went into real estate, building houses on the land that would become Weaver Drive, near the Indian Hills Campus in Ottumwa. They also enjoyed wintering in Arizona, mostly in Sun City West, for 30 years.
Freda was a member of Davis Street Christian Church. She participated in Women’s Club, TTT BZ Chapter, PEO Chapter IN and the Jaycee Auxiliary. Freda also volunteered for the kids’ school activities as well as for her church. She was an avid fan of NASCAR, as evidenced by the life-sized sticker of her favorite driver, Jeff Gordon that hung on the wall of her kitchen, as well as his number “24” on all sorts of knickknacks and souvenirs throughout her house. Freda enjoyed playing Bridge, maintaining her flower beds, and late-night Solitaire on her tablet. Most nights, Freda was up at 3 a.m. for a snack of butter and Saltines, and playing a few games against Old Sol.
Freda loved her cat Ellie (and before her, Sabrina). It was not unusual for you to have to let yourself into Freda’s house because Freda was “trapped” in her recliner by the cat napping in her lap. Freda also loved being with people. She was frequently seen at the Canteen chatting with everyone. If you sat next to Freda as a stranger, you parted as friends.
Surviving are her children, Gregg (Marisela) Weaver of Sugar Land, TX and Leanne Weaver of Ottumwa; grandson, Nick (Kristin) of Roeland Park, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Roger Weaver; son, Danny Weaver; and brother, Robert Bullock.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 29th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 30th at Davis Street Christian Church with Rev. James H. Wakelin officiating. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Davis County Dollars for Scholars or to Davis Street Christian Church.
