Lela Freiberg, age 97 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, November 16, 2009. She was born May 22, 1912 in Osceola County to James and Phebe (Truax) Marsh. Lela went to school in LeRoy and Reed City, graduating from Reed City High School in 1929. She then attended and graduated from Davenport Business College in Grand Rapids. Lela married Edward Freiberg of Big Rapids on September 30, 1933 and they made their home in Big Rapids. Edward preceded her in death on November 7, 1996. Lela did bookkeeping for a few years; the latest at the Shields Sales and Service of Big Rapids. In 1954 she went to work as the Deputy Director of the Osceola County Department of Social Welfare. In 1959 she became the Director of the Mecosta County Department of Social Services where she stayed until her retirement in 1975. Lela was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids where she was the organist for many years and was also active in other organizations of the church. In 1976 she transferred to the Third Avenue United Methodist Church where she was assistant organist, church treasurer for 20 years and a trustee for many years among other activities. Lela is survived by a daughter, Shirley Andrews of Edwardsburg; a son, Ronald and wife Mary Freiberg of Bay City; 7 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; very special friends, Virginia and Norm Turner of Big Rapids and many other friends including her wonderful caregivers at Evergreen Terrace in Big Rapids. Besides her parents and husband, Lela was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Harold Marsh of Reed City, Warren Marsh of Cadillac and a great-granddaughter, Rikki Ball. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 19th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Michael Riegler officiating. Burial will be at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Third Avenue United Methodist Church in Big Rapids.