Norma Joan Freckleton

Norma Joan Freckleton, affectionately known as Jody, was born on February 9, 1932, in Carroll County, Missouri. She passed away peacefully at home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 22, 2025, at the age of 93.

Jody was a remarkable woman who dedicated 36 years of her life to owning and operating Louise Gardens, a beloved bedding plant nursery. Her passion for gardening was evident not only in her professional endeavors but also in her personal life. A true testament to her green thumb, Jody found joy in nurturing plants and growing an array of beautiful flowers, as well as hens and chicks.

While managing her business, Jody also fulfilled the important role of a dedicated mother. She balanced her career along with her responsibilities as a secretary, all while raising her children. Her proudest accomplishments include the care she provided to her family, knitting Christmas socks, sewing, cooking, and making candy, showcasing her creativity and love in everything she did.

Jody had a zest for life that was reflected in her hobbies and interests. She enjoyed painting, crafts, and, most notably, cherished gatherings with her family during holidays. She brought warmth and joy to Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations and was especially known for her fun Halloween costumes and scavenger hunt parties. Throughout her life, she often took on the role of the neighborhood mom, fostering a sense of community and care around her.

Her legacy continues through her loving family, which includes her children: Beth (Thayne) Gates, Barbara (Tom) Ronsick, Julia Tadehara, Robert Smeltzer II, Debbie (Phu) Duong, and Mary Smeltzer. Jody was blessed with 25 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her loving spirit.

Jody is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Bob Smeltzer and Kay Freckleton, her granddaughter Anna, 11 brothers and sisters, and her son-in-law Lari.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice caregivers, especially Rebecca, Jody's nurse, and Blanca, her aide, for their compassionate care during her final days.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Cannon 3rd Ward, 1301 South 1200 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, with a viewing one hour prior to the services. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.