Freda Orene Fish

Freda Orene Fish, age 87, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at Quail Ridge Living Center in West Siloam Springs, OK on January 4, 2026. She was born on September 26, 1938, in Cash, Arkansas to John Emmitt Rhodes and Mamie Irene Conner Rhodes.

Freda was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked as a caretaker and was also skilled at sewing. Cooking was what she did best and what she loved most, continuing as long as her body allowed her. Many were blessed by her meals and her giving heart.

As a child, Freda worked on her family’s farm, where she learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance – values she carried with her throughout life.

Freda will be remembered for her strong work ethics, her caring nature, and the love she showed through simple acts of service. She leaves behind memories that will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children: David Blankenship and wife Gail of Colcord, OK; Earnest Blankenship and wife Anita of Gentry, AR; Earl Blankenship and wife Molly of Sapulpa, OK; Keith Fish and wife Tina of Siloam Springs, AR; Tammie Fish Murray and husband Gregg of Summers, AR; and Jimmy Fish and wife Roslyn of Des Allemands, LA; 19 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren; sisters Katie Keller of Weiner, AR and Shirley Powell of Mt. View, AR

She was preceded in death by husband Robert Fish; parents John Emmitt Rhodes and Mamie Conner Rhodes; daughter Marcia Alacon; brothers Virgil Rhodes, Lester Rhodes, Larry Rhodes, and Wayne Rhodes; sisters Edith Jordan, Barbara Mabry, and Doris Long; and granddaughter Brisia Alacon.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs. Pastor Jim Beavers and Pastor Brad Greathouse will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

The arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, AR. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.