Edna Eleanor Freeman Cash

Edna Eleanor Freeman Cash passed away April 2, 2009 at her daughter's home in the Nine Mile with her faithful cat Ole Yeller snuggled by her side. She was 93 years old. Edna was born May 4, 1916, near Pony Montana to James Samuel and Lola Mae (Carver) Freeman. When she was two years old, in 1918, the growing family moved to the Gallatin Valley in a horse drawn hay wagon with livestock and chickens in tow. Here she grew up and received her education at Elk Grove School. By 1930, the family numbered 12. Over chores and work around the farm, they still found time for childhood play. Even in later years the siblings remained the same joyous and close-knit group they were in childhood. In 1935 Edna married Roy Cash in Deer Lodge on their way to their future home west of Ronan. There they lived and farmed for 3 years before moving to the Bitterroot Valley in 1938. Edna and Roy's son, Michael, was born in Darby, where the couple farmed and had a milk route. The couple later moved to a farm outside of Hamilton where their daughter, Pearl, was born before retiring to downtown Hamilton.

Though Roy had retired, Edna remained active in the community. Edna was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, spending many hours making quilts for Lutheran World Relief, and devoted time to Haven House, a local food pantry. She also worked as a Pink Lady at Marcus Daily Hospital until her ninetieth birthday. When not volunteering her time or working the pantry station at d'Aurias Restaurant, Edna found time to travel. She fondly remembered trips to Japan, and cruises with close friends to Alaska and Hawaii.

Preceding her in death were her husband Roy, her parents Sam and Lola, and sisters Minnie Yuhas, Lucille Freeman and Elsie Westra, her brothers Chester Dee, Alfred, and Jim.

Survivors include her, son Michael Cash and his wife Martha of Glendive, daughter Pearl Cash and her husband Bob Brugh of Nine Mile, sister Dora Harrington of Bozeman, Brothers Louis (Elizabeth) Freeman of Great Falls and Richard (Barbara) Freeman of Mill City, Oregon, as well as her many beloved friends in Hamilton.


Memorials may be sent to Lutheran World Relief or Partners Hospice of Missoula.