Freda (Jennings) Semingson, a life-long Pullman resident, died at home on June 7, 2016. She was born on the family farm to Fred and Rena Jennings . Her sisters, Doris Hood and June Lyon, preceded her in death, as did her husband Gene Semingson. She is survived by her brother and great friend Ralph Jennings, who still resides at the farm. She leaves her son, Michael McCroskey (Margo) of Clarkston, WA and her daughters Christine McCroskey (Charlie) of Kona, HI and Marsha McCroskey (Cheryl) of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by her two grandsons, Taylor McCroskey and Mason McCroskey (Beverly), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who are sprinkled throughout the Palouse.
She attended Johnson Elementary School and Pullman High School, where she made many friends (easy to do when you had a car and gas in the tank – a great asset in 1944) and was reputed to be a terrific dancer. She briefly attended WSU and joined the Delta Gamma Sorority – another source of enduring friendships.
Freda worked at WSU for 25 years in the Agricultural Extension Department as the conference coordinator. After her retirement she served on the Pullman Kiwanis
Board of Directors and the Pullman Child Welfare Board. She volunteered at the Pullman Food Bank and the hospital. One of her greatest pleasures late in life was her involvement in the Palouse Country Cowboy Poetry Association, acting as treasurer and general cheerleader. She traveled with her husband ( and award-winning poet) Gene Semingson to many cowboy poet gatherings near and far. As you may know, she was a bit of a sports nut, following WSU and Gonzaga basketball. She knew the score.
She was a wonderful gardener, a reasonably good bridge player, dedicated crossword puzzler, and avid reader. Her sweet tooth was legendary – licorice, coffee ice cream, tapioca pudding, and pies were the tip of the iceberg. She never met a sugar delivery system she didn't like
Gifted with a wonderful sense of humor and an easy temperament, she had many friends. We thank you one and all for the companionship and fun you brought to her life. The family would like to express our thanks to the marvelous hospice caregivers and the Pullman Regional Hospital nurses.
At her request there is no service. If you wish to make a donation, Freda supported many causes. She contributed to wildlife and nature conservancy organizations. Her kitty came from the Humane Society. She loved jazz and contributed to the local public radio station at WSU. Public television provided her with hours of ongoing education about a variety of topics. Please choose one that most reminds you of her. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is in charge of the arrangements.