Fredia D. Middleton

Fredia D. (Simmons) Middleton, 81, of Lexington, Missouri, formerly of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, at Riverbend Health and Rehabilitation in Lexington.

Fredia’s family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of Dollie Simpson, for a charity to be chosen at a later time. Memories of Fredia and condolences to her family may be shared at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the Ledford Family Funeral Homes Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, Odessa, Missouri.

Fredia was born on March 7, 1944, in rural Stover, Missouri, to Estel and Dollie Rosie (Gerlt) Simmons. She graduated from Stover High School in 1961 and later earned her LPN degree from Penn Valley Community College. Nursing was more than a career for Fredia—it was a calling. She spent many years caring for others before retiring from John Knox Village, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and dedication.

On December 14, 1965, Fredia married Ted Middleton in Independence, Missouri. Although their marriage later ended, their friendship endured. Fredia was Christian by faith and lived her life with quiet strength, kindness, and love for those around her.

Fredia found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved shopping, cooking meals for those she cared about, tending to her garden, and being surrounded by family and friends. Above all else, her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her children, Michael Middleton of Independence, Missouri; Lisa Cotton (Paula Kilgore) of Independence, Missouri; and Dollie Simpson (George) of Grain Valley, Missouri; her great-grandsons, Isaiah Johnson and Azryel Walker of Grain Valley, Missouri; her brother, Vincel “Buck” Simmons of Hughesville, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Fredia was preceded in death by her parents; her dear friend and former husband, Ted Middleton; her beloved granddaughter, Candis Cotton; her sisters, Cleo Adams, Mary Cable, Rosie Davidson, Viola Simmons, and Betty Simmons; and her brothers, Elroy Simmons, William “Bill” Simmons, Calvin Simmons, and Estel Simmons.

Fredia will be remembered for her caring heart, her love of family, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life