In Loving Memory

Thelma Ione "Teddy" Fredrickson

Thelma Ione "Teddy" Fredrickson, age 93, passed away peacefully at her home on August 21, 2022. She was born on January 4, 1929 to John and Thelma (Morfitt) Davis in Conda, Idaho.

Teddy's family moved to Washington in 1934 and settled near Bruce Creek, east of Evans, Wa., where she attended grades 1-4. In 1939 her family moved to a farm near Gifford, Wa., where she attended Maud Elementary School. She then attended Columbia High School in Hunters, Wa., graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1945. She went on to Kinman Business University in Spokane for a year and then moved back to Colville, after receiving a job offer from the Rural Electrification Administration(REA). The REA was formed as part of the "New Deal" by Franklin D. Roosevelt, in an effort to take electricity to rural America. Teddy worked for the REA, bringing electricity to all parts of Stevens and Ferry Counties.

While staying in Colville, she met Don Fredrickson on a blind date. They married on November 7, 1948 in a small ceremony at her mother's home. Don and Teddy bought a Chevron Service Station on the south end of Colville in 1952 and later operated a brand new Carter Oil Service Station, which was located where the current Safeway store sits today.  In May of 1956, they moved to Barstow, Wa., where they had purchased the Barstow Store. With Canadian trade dwindling, as a result of a new highway in Canada, Don started working for the US Forest Service.

Teddy continued to run the store during the day and Don would take over in the evenings. For 20 years they operated the store and raised their three children. Their children also worked in the store, learning everything they needed to know about running a business while treating people with kindness and compassion. In 1976 they sold the store and moved to a home on the Kettle River.  Teddy also kept busy as a part time bookkeeper for the Orient School, Empire Auto Parts, and her son's chiropractic practice.

Together, Don and Teddy enjoyed camping, fishing, bowling, dancing, and playing pinochle with friends. They especially enjoyed attending their children's and grandchildren's games and events. Teddy was talented at many things. She liked to crochet, sew, bake, and she kept a beautiful yard. She was also a musician. She played bass guitar with the Kelly Hillbillies and the Kettle River Players. She was an active member of the Kettle River Grange, Orient Community Church, and the Rolling 20's Camper Club.

Teddy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who always gave of herself to her family and friends. She often fed strangers as they passed through (even a few who broke into the store). She never asked for anything in return. Teddy did not "live life by waiting for the storm to pass, she embraced life and danced in the rain." She will be missed every day.

Teddy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Thelma Davis; her husband, Donald; her siblings Darcus, Marjorie, Enes, and John"Park". She is survived by her two sons, Mike Fredrickson and wife Denice, Barstow; Ron Fredrickson and wife Martha, Barstow; daughter, Lorie Haynes and husband Rod, Kettle Falls; brother, Hal Davis, Colville; sister-in-law, Gerry Fredrickson, Colville; seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many who called her Grandma Teddy.

A graveside memorial service will be held at the Meyers Falls Cemetery in Kettle Falls, Wa on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 11:00. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the charity of one's choice. Please visit Teddy's online memorial and sign her guestbook at danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel is entrusted in care.