Freddie Ruth Kennedy Self Simpson of Plano, Texas passed away at her residence on January 6, 2022 at the age of 98. She was born the third of 11 children to Fred and Mary Elva (Robbins) Kennedy in Clear Lake, Texas (which is now under Lake Lavon).
Freddie graduated from Princeton High School in 1942. She then joined the US Cadet Nurse Corps in 1944 and became a registered nurse like her two older sisters. On May 16, 1947 she married J.E. Self in Dallas, Texas. They had six children and in 1958 they transferred to Upland, California for J.E.’s job with General Electric Jet Engine Group. Freddie worked as an RN on the pediatric unit of San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland until she retired in 1979. After the tragic death of their daughter, Beth, in October 1979, J.E. was transferred to Troon, Scotland as a field rep for GE Jet Engines. They loved Scotland and probably drove every inch of it and were also able to travel to numerous places in Europe. In 1982, they came back to the US with J.E.’s job and lived in Midwest City, Oklahoma until J.E. retired. In 1985, they came home to Texas and settled in Plano. They had a fun-filled retirement and did lots of traveling in their RV with cats Betsy and Oliver and Freddie’s sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Loren Odle, until J.E.’s death in 1995. In March 1998, Freddie married Keen Simpson, Jr. and they had 16 happy years together until his death in 2014.
Freddie loved to quilt and always had a crossword puzzle in her lap and didn’t miss her 4:30 wine time.
She is survived by her children, Jerry Self of Edmonton Alberta, Canada, Stan Self and wife, Connie of Emory, Texas, Bobby Self and wife, Kelly of Susanville, California, Charles Bradley Self of Plano, Texas, and Robin Walden of Plano, Texas; brother, Lonnie Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister, Lois Kennedy Betterton of McKinney, Texas; sister, Christa Beth Bailey of Carrollton, Texas; grandchildren, Michael Walden, Lisa Walden, Jason Self, Sarah Self, Kenny Self, Garrett Self, and Jensen Beth Self; 15 great grandchildren; one great grandson; and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Freddie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, J.E.; husband, Keen; daughter, Mary Beth Ranes; brothers, Jack, Charlie, and Rayford Kennedy; sisters, Geraldine Odle, Frances Maas, Birdie Moorhead and Patricia Hay.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas for anyone who would like to attend. Family and friends are invited to Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home at their convenience on Friday to pay their respects and to sign the register book.
At a later date to be determined, Freddie’s family will hold a celebration of her life.