Obituary – Ina B. Freeman

 

Ina Belle Freeman was born February 2, 1941, to the late Adam and Leota Bates. She departed this life on July 25, 2026. She was the oldest of thirteen children.

Ina was united in marriage to Charles Ritz in 1959; from this union one daughter and three sons were born, Patricia, Steve, and Greg Ritz. In 1974, she was united in marriage to Austin Freeman and from this union one daughter was born, Pandee Freeman.

Ina accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She loved singing in church and often played the piano for services. She was an accomplished guitarist and vocalist. She used her gift to worship God and to bless others. Her faith was strong. 

Ina lost her eyesight and lived with blindness for several years. She was brave through those years as she held onto her faith in Christ. She loved her seeing eye dog, Deve. She was a small but smart Chihuahua. She loved her family and friends and they loved her. She will be greatly missed and she is greatly loved by Man and God.

Ina is preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; two sisters, Dorette Bates and Dona Greer; and one brother, Russel Bates.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Falls, Steve Ritz, Greg Ritz, and Pandee Holland; siblings, Frances Holland, Kenneth Bates, Deloris Quick, Roger Bates, Lloyd Bates, Margaret Goets, Dayrl Bates, Adrian Bates, and Bonita Roper.

A visitation for Ina will take place Friday, July 31, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hutchason Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net. Arrangements are entrusted to Fox Funeral Home.