Freda Sue (Gardenhire) Jolly

Freda Sue (Gardenhire) Jolly, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on April 5, 2026, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, at the age of 72. Born on December 2, 1953, in Pineville, Oregon, to Ada Bell (Barker) Gardenhire and Ocie Harlan Gardenhire, Freda’s life was one marked by devotion to her family and community.

Freda was united in marriage to Joe R. Jolly on March 26, 1970, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, sharing a life full of love and partnership. She contributed many years as a bus driver for Tulsa and Sallisaw Public Schools and spent numerous years working alongside her husband as a team truck driver.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Joe Jolly; her daughters, Pam Taylor and Ricky of Paris, Tennessee, and Cathy Jo Brewer and Jerry of Fort Smith, Arkansas; her son, Jason Jolly and Charlotte of Gore, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who cherished her kindness and spirit.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Howard Dale, Harlan, and Danny Gardenhire; and sister, Betty Jean Matthews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, with burial to follow at Akins Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects during the viewing from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, with the family greeting visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Pallbearers honoring Freda’s memory will be Robert Downs, Justin Jolly, Joseph Bradshaw, Joshua Bradshaw, Kyle Jolly, and Ryan Jolly. Honorary pallbearers include Nathaniel Wilder, Johnathan Cheney, and Brett Ledgerwood.

The family extends their gratitude for the comfort and support received during this time and invites all who knew Freda to join in celebrating her life and legacy.