Patricia Freeman

(From Nelson Funeral Service)

Patricia T. Freeman, a native of Eureka Springs, was born March 29, 1930 at the Greenwood Hollow home of her parents, Charles and Erla Taff. She passed away on September 22, 2026, at the age of 96.

She was raised, along with her three sisters, on the small family farm. She and her sisters did farm chores usually done by farm boys. This hard work instilled in all of them the value of hard work. Patricia attended a one-room schoolhouse in Greenwood Hollow through the 8th grade. She then attended ‘The Old Red Brick School’ in Eureka Springs. Her penchant for hard work paid off as she always did well in school, graduating in 1946, at the age of 16, as salutatorian of her class.

After graduation, she worked as a Western Union operator, was employed by Louck’s Realty, by Mark Insurance Agency and later by Roark and Weaver Loan & Insurance.

On January 1, 1950, she was married to Robert ‘Bob’ Freeman, also of Eureka Springs. Bob had leased Lake Leatherwood from the city of Eureka Springs. Together they operated the lake for many years. During this time, they built the boat dock building and the present rental cabins. They also paid for the first paving of the road to the lake. They ran the operations of the lake until selling their interest in 1963. In 1964, they became part-owners, along with Bob’s brother Charles and his wife Vinnie Ream Freeman, of the Joy Motel. The Joy was started by Bob and Charles’ father and mother, Ray and Chloe Freeman as Joy Court in the late 1920s. It was one of the first tourist lodging facilities in Eureka Springs. Bob and Pat sold their interest in the Joy and retired in 1999 to their home on Pivot Rock Road.

Patricia was preceded in death by Bob in 2015, her parents Charles and Erla Taff, infant brother Charles Taff, Jr., sister Doris Taff, sister Charlene Davis and brother-in-law Loyd Davis.

Patricia is survived by two sons, Rick Freeman and Randy Freeman (wife Catherine) of Eureka Springs. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren – Austin Freeman (wife Amber) of West Fork, AR and Brianna Freeman (partner Mike Lewis) of Eureka Springs, Nick Freeman, Alex Freeman, Amber Freeman Brown (husband Matthew) and Celeste Miller (husband Spencer) all of Fayetteville and Jesse Raphael (partner Katie) of Noel, MO. She was also survived by 5 great grandchildren Paxton Brown, Oren Brown, McKinley Freeman, Sam Raphael and Lexi Raphael.

Also surviving her are sister Ludean Taff Cross, nephews Clarke Freeman, Burton Freeman (wife A.J.), Johnny Cross, Charlie Cross (wife Leslie) and nieces Diane Davis Patterson (husband Ron), Julia Freeman Bingham, Johnice Cross and Bobby Sue Cross.


Patricia has requested cremation. Also, at her request no service, visitation or memorial will be held. A private scattering of both her and Bob’s ashes will take place on a future date. The family would like to express its appreciation to the staff, nurses and caregivers at the Blossoms of Eureka Springs and Circle of Life Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.