Leta Mae Frese
Leta Mae Frese, age 86, of 1430 Spruce St., Quincy, died on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 6:10 a.m. in Blessing Hospital. She was born on July 12, 1927 in Knox City, MO, a daughter of Homer & Maude (Elston) Roush. She married Merle H. Frese on May 24, 1950 in St. Boniface Church. He survives.
Leta Mae was a 1945 graduate of Quincy High School. She was employed by the Army Map Service from 1945 – 1947 where she drew maps of Europe freehand used by the U.S. Army. She also worked at the Quincy Herald Whig from 1947 – 1953, Artcraft from 1953 – 1956 and Riverside Coal and Oil Co. as secretary from 1956 – 1977, and then Office Manager from 1977 until her retirement in 1978.
She, with her husband Merle, enjoyed walking the streets of Quincy logging over 8,000 miles over the years. She loved to feed the many dogs they encountered on their walks. The dogs always looked for her as she carried dog biscuits with her in her purse. Leta Mae loved to play video poker and made 70 trips to Las Vegas. She was so lucky that her family would rub her head for good luck.
In addition to her husband, Merle, she is survived by a son, Thomas J. Frese and his wife Diane of Quincy; two grandchildren, Nathan J. Frese and his wife Brandy of Quincy and Julie M. Buchheit and her husband James of Shiloh, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Charles Roush, and a sister Louise (Fred) Fultz. Nieces and nephews also survive.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Francis Church. Memorials may be made to the Quincy Humane Society. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.dukerandhaugh.com
Such fond memories. You will be missed. Thanks for the stories you gave me for my Family History. Ron and I prayed for you at Mass tonight. Prayers for
Uncle Merle, Tom and family.
Thanking God for the many wonderful years and memories that Leta and Merle were able to share. She was a true “gem” with a caring heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Bless her soul as she is healed and now enjoys eternal life with the Father!
My condolences to Uncle Merle, Tom and his family. Aunt Leta was always a special lady and a loving godmother. I will miss her so much.. You are all in my prayers, thoughts and hearts.
Merle and family. I was saddened to hear of Leta’s passing. I always enjoyed our times at the South Side Boat Club. I have many great memories. No more quarters to shares.