Kathleen Reed Frakes

In Loving Memory

Kathleen Reed Frakes

March 24, 1941 – August 26, 2025

Kathleen Reed (Berrier) Frakes, 84, of Springfield, MO, passed peacefully into Heaven on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. She was born March 24, 1941, in Carrollton, MO, to Franklin Ernest and Irmel Estalene Berrier.

Kathleen graduated from Carrollton High School and later worked at the local cookie factory, much to the delight of her children, who swore she never smelled better. She married Carl Dean Frakes and together they raised four children—Chris, Russ, Tim, and Kathy Marie. Known to many as Mom, Aunt Kathy, and especially Granny, she devoted her life to family and leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and wisdom.

Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter, advice, and always dessert—whether it was her famous wacky cake or the Little Debbies she kept stocked for her grandkids. Kathleen believed in hard work and perseverance, but she always made time for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adored her.

Music, laughter, and good food filled her kitchen and dining room, where countless family dinners, birthdays, and celebrations were shared. Later in life, she enjoyed time with her daughter in Springfield, playing word games, sipping fountain diet cokes, and cherishing visits and calls from her family.

Kathleen faced many heartbreaking losses, including her husband, Carl; two sons; a granddaughter; siblings; and her beloved dog, Sofie. Yet, she carried herself with quiet strength and grace. In her final hours, she reassured her family with love, comfort, and even a touch of humor—ever the Granny she was cherished as.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Frakes of Carrollton, MO; daughter, Kathy Marie (Dave) Gress of Springfield, MO; grandchildren Neal, Michael (Angela), Brittani, Kaylee, and Zachery; and great-grandchildren Haley, Clay, Gaven, Oaklyn, Kiahna, Kael, Karmen, Awesome, Alexandria, Griffin, and Zoey, along with many others whose lives she touched.

A graveside service, officiated by Donnie Lybarger, will be held Saturday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m. at New Pleasant Park Cemetery in DeWitt, MO, followed by a celebration of life at the family home in Miami Station.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of Kathleen’s favorite charities.