Obituary for Freda Maxine (Wilgus) Quay

Freda Maxine (Wilgus) Quay, known lovingly to many as “Short”, passed away on March 28, 2026 at Lima Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with an illness. She was 79 years old.

Freda was born at home in Walnut Grove, Ohio on September 6, 1946, to the late Elbie and Evelyn (Jones) Wilgus where she grew up surrounded by the simple joys of country life and close family bonds.

On June 25, 1966, she married Glenn “Rusty” Quay and as of this June they would have been married for 60 years. They met in 1st grade and became childhood sweethearts.

Throughout her life she had a great love of horses and dogs. She especially loved the Budweiser Clydesdales and would travel every year with her sisters, Genny and Ruth to the Ohio State Fair to see them and also whatever great country star was performing that year. She and Genny also loved going to the Hardin County Fair every year. It was one of the highlights of her year. Her dog Carly was her “baby” and she frequently asked about her while hospitalized.

She loved Country Music and, in the hospital, we would put the TV on Classic Country and it comforted her a great deal and brought back memories of her childhood. She especially loved George Straight who was her favorite artist. Elvis also held a special place in her heart, she loved to watch him and listen to his music.

She also loved Ohio State Football and spending time with her family. The family get togethers every year meant the world to her. She especially loved it when all her grandkids and great grandkids were able to attend. She always encouraged all of the family to join them. She also loved to sew and knit and was very good at it.

Short graduated from Buckeye Local High School in 1964. She worked as a receptionist for WKTN for 30 years and was also Co-Owner of Quays Cleaning which is still in business today.

Surviving are 2 children. Nick (Deborah) Quay  and Sonya (Thomas) Wies, 5 Grandchildren: Brandon Quay, Lacha (Andrew) Tillman, Alex (Khloe) Quay, Tyler (Brooklyn) Wies, and Kailee (Milan) Mihajlovski, 2 Step Grandchildren: Jeremy Sons and Tawnee Sons Morales, 11 Great Grandchildren: Leo Quay Hollan, Addelyn Quay, Asher Tillman, Kimberlin Tillman, Ara Quay, Logan Quay, Letty Quay, Evy Quay, and Malina Mihajlovski, Kyson Wies and Oliver Wies, 2 Step Great Grandchildren: Silas Sons and Kyrin Sons, and 2 sisters, Genevieve “Genny” Funk and Eileen “Cricket” Wical.

Freda was preceded in death by her parents and also her sisters Rita Rader, Ruth Zupp, a brother, Ivan Wilgus and an infant brother, Arthur Wilgus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Freda’s honor may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses of Kenton.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.