Freida Kay (Downey) Stanley

Freida Kay Stanley, age 65, of Huntington, passed away at 11:25 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN.

Freida was born on July 25, 1960, in Cincinnati, OH, to Simmie Black. She married Robert Stanley in Huntington on June 13, 1998, and he preceded her in death.

Freida retired from Hardee’s after 25 years of dedicated service as a lead supervisor. In the years following retirement she devoted most of her time to her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was the heart and soul of the family and the glue that held it all together. She would always find a reason to get everyone to congregate, whether it be a holiday, special occasion, or just a simple Sunday dinner. She had a very kind and caring heart and was always there for her family and friends.

Freida was always on the go, which usually involved shopping at her favorite thrift stores, bargain bins, or anywhere else she could find a great deal. Nothing made her happier than finding little treasures that she could give to her family, friends or her grand dogs. Her hobbies were gardening, making beautiful flower arrangements, watching her favorite TV shows, and sitting outside watching the birds.

Freida is survived by two daughters, Jerrie (Ryan) Douglas, Nicole (David) Swoverland; sisters, Tammy McDaniel, Sheila (Ronnie) Nantz, Tamara (James Scalf) Black, Paula Black; and grandchildren, Isiah (Caila) Kitzmiller, Hunter Swoverland, Connor Kitzmiller, Hannah Swoverland, and Rylan Douglas. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Tinley Kitzmiller, Kooper Kitzmiller, Myles Weaver; and many nieces and nephews that loved her deeply, most especially, her nephew, Brad Barrett.

Along with her mother, Simmie Black, and husband, Robert, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Norma Lewis, Vicki Stultz; brothers, William “Junior” McDaniel, George Henry McDaniel, Jerry Dowdy; grandson, Keegan Alan Downey; and nephew, Johnathan McDaniel.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely, and the light she brought to others.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a 4:00 p.m. Funeral Service at McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, with Pastor Chris Hayden officiating.

A private burial will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Huntington, IN.

Preferred memorials are to United with Love of Huntington County in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN 46750. 

McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences:  www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com

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