Ida Beth (Salton) Freitag passed away on Oct. 11, 2021, at the age of 81, following an unexpected recurrence of breast cancer from eight prior years. She is survived by her husband of 57 years Charles (Chuck) Freitag, daughter Lisa (John), son Bret (Heather), and her six grandchildren: Brynna, Carter, Jorie, Tyler, Joshua and Matthea.
Ida Beth was born April 25, 1940, in the remote town of Marathon, Iowa. The privations of farm life and loss of her father at age five forged a pragmatic and sustaining instinct along with the influence of older siblings Donna, and George, a father figure to her.
The tight-knit, small school she attended provided close lifelong friends, and she finished as valedictorian in her class of 16. Her initial plan of a teaching career ran up against a dislike for public speaking, and she pivoted to a better fit at the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, where she graduated with high honors. While practicing nursing and pursuing a Bible degree at the Holiness Methodist School of Theology, an arranged date brought her and Chuck together. They were united in marriage on Sept. 4, 1964, settling in the Northwest for good.
Her career stops at Emanuel Hospital and Sacred Heart in Eugene, Oregon finally led to a position in Silverton, Oregon in 1967, which became their community and family home for over 50 years.
She eventually transitioned to her final position in day surgery at Salem Hospital before retiring in 2004. Her career and compassion increased her concern for medical missions around the world, including Medical Teams International to provide eye surgery in Moldova.
Travel remained a focus for her and Chuck throughout their latter years (making up for the committed early years of child raising and careers) and they were able to visit more than 50 countries around the world.
In 2018, they downsized from their rural five acres near Silverton to Ridgefield, Washington to be closer to family.
Ida Beth had many interests throughout her life: gardening, puzzles, reading about history, sewing, quilting, needlepoint, Bible studies, ancestry, and family gatherings.
She made lasting friendships wherever she was, remaining close to her friends, relatives, and church family at every step of the way, exemplified in the chain letter with her surviving high school classmates that has kept going for over 50 years. People were drawn to her because of her tender heart, loving kindness, and sharp mind. Daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and nurse: she was beloved by many.
Services were held at Emmanuel Bible Church in Salem, Oregon on Nov. 27, 2021. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you consider providing support to Medical Teams International and/or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
