Kelly Jean Freeman

Kelly Jean Freeman, a bright light and a devoted mother, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2026. Born to Rod and Becky Freeman on March 25, 1981, in Des Moines, Iowa, Kelly grew up in Toccoa, Georgia, Redfield, Iowa and Collins, Iowa, and graduated from Collins-Maxwell High School in 1999. She later attended DMACC, beginning a life defined by her energy, her laughter, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Kelly’s greatest joy was her three children: Delaney Jean (Benji), Joseph Dean, and Reagan George. She was their fiercest advocate and most enthusiastic cheerleader. Whether she was sitting in the stands at Joseph’s soccer games, beaming with pride at Delaney’s band and choir concerts, or throwing herself into every milestone of Reagan’s young life, Kelly made sure her children felt supported and loved.

An adventurer at heart, Kelly "tripped her trigger" by hitting the open road. She loved scouting for treasures at the Brass Armadillo and wandering through Amish and Mennonite communities in search of scrumptious treats. These road trips were often shared with her daughter, Delaney, her mother, Becky, and her Aunt Rhonda—creating a bond of "road trip shenanigans" that took them to river towns and interesting corners across the Midwest.

At home, Kelly was happiest surrounded by her loved ones. She found peace sitting around a campfire, laughing and telling stories. Every holiday in the Freeman house ended the same way: with a rousing, competitive game of the family-favorite "Double Decker Oh Hell." Kelly’s passion for music and travel kept her moving, but her heart was always firmly rooted in the people she loved.

Kelly is survived by her three children: Delaney Jean (Benji) Butcher, Joseph Dean Butcher, and Reagan George Paul; her grandmother Shirley Pearson; her mother, Rebecca (Becky) Freeman; her father, Rod Freeman; and her brothers, Rodney (Hondo) Freeman and Daniel Freeman. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents; Arthur Pearson and Gerald and Dortha Freeman; her uncles Glenn Pearson, Gerald Freeman, Jr. and Randy Freeman, and aunt Pandia Freeman Bender.

Kelly was a radiant presence in the lives of all who knew her. Her laughter, her sense of adventure, and her fierce love for her children will be missed beyond measure. In her honor, the family asks that you raise a Cadillac Margarita and share a story of a favorite memory of Kelly.

A celebration of Kelly’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 1 from 4:00 PM to 6:00PM at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens located at 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa.

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