Freda Bertha Guttridge, age 99, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Rolling Fields Nursing Home, Conneautville, PA. where she had been a resident since 2010. Born on June 10, 1913 in Cussewago Township, Crawford County, Freda was a daughter of the late Ernest Muckinhaupt and Ruth Carr Muckinhaupt. On December 7, 1929, Freda married Melvin A. Guttridge and he preceded her in death on July 18, 2001.
Freda and her husband owned a dairy farm outside of Venango and as a home maker she was very involved in the farm’s operation. In 1957, they moved to Venango Borough where she lived until entering the nursing home.
As a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Cambridge Springs, she loved attending there. Beginning in the late 1950’s, Freda worked for about 8 years in the Cambridge Springs High School Cafeteria. She also helped at the Venango Public Library. Freda’s hobbies and interests included doing needlework, cooking, baking, and sewing. She also loved animals.
Surviving Freda are two daughters – Sandra Howles and her husband, Arlin of Venango; and Bonnie Lewandowski, of Venango; and a son – Roger Guttridge and his wife, Joanne of York, PA; 11 grandchildren – Curtis Howles and his wife, Donna of Saegertown; Stanley Howles and his wife, Theresa of Saegertown; Valerie Houk and her husband, Terry of New Castle; Troy Howles of Venango; Arlin Howles, Jr. and his wife, Nancy of Huston, TX; Brenda Stafford and her husband, Butch of Saegertown; Michael Lewandowski and his wife, Danielle of Chesapeake, VA; Rick Lewandowski and his wife, Kim of Bethel Park, PA; Scott Guttridge of Ardmore, PA; Chris Guttridge and his wife, Maggie of York, PA; and Katherine Guttridge of Seattle, WA; 18 great grandchildren – Rorie Howles, A.J. Sherretts, Mackenzie Howles, Andrew Howles, Jessica Howles, Aaron Howles, Tristen Howles, Reese Gray, Vincent Houk, Hannah Wheaton, Sarah Stafford, Chloe Lewandowski, Joshua Lewandowski, Austin Lewandowski, Jake Lewandowski, Maggie Lewandowski, Myla Guttridge, and Grady Guttridge. Freda was preceded in death by two sisters – Mildred Sauers and Iva Muckinhaupt and a brother – Lester Muckinhaupt.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Saturday from 10:00 until 12:00 at which time funeral services will begin. Reverend Darrell Harris, Wesleyan from Coudersport will officiate. Interment will be in Venango Cemetery.
Dear Sandra, Bonnie and Roger,
I am deeply saddened to learn of your mother’s death. Freda was my first cousin. Although we rarely met in recent years, I will always remember her with love. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Carr Spence
Shippenville, PA
Roger and family
Accept our prayers and condolences on the loss of your mother
Joe & Brenda Weidner
Thompson, Ohio
Bonnie,I’m very sorry for your loss. I loved your mother with all my heart and I will miss her so much.
Bonnie, Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Linda Aiken
Bonnie, Roger and Sandra, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed working with your mother at the library.