Fredel Marie Wiant

Celebration of Life:

Fredel Marie (Amos) Wiant passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Marie Amos of Pueblo, Colorado. Known as Freddie to all, she lived a life full of diverse experiences.

At the young age of 13, Freddie represented the states of Colorado and Wyoming in the 1958 National Spelling Bee. After graduating from Central High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and began her teaching career in the Denver School District.

Freddie followed her former husband, Rik Wiant, to Palo Alto, California, where she taught and later worked in the Dean’s office at Stanford University. After the birth of her two sons, Freddie volunteered and worked in a variety of roles throughout the 1970s, including as a speechwriter.

In 1981, the Army moved the family to Roswell, New Mexico. While in Roswell, Freddie served as the director of the Women’s Shelter and played a key role in securing funding for a new facility. She also led the children’s choir at First Presbyterian Church, where she wrote lyrics for several musical plays, some of which were published for Vacation Bible Schools. Later, she returned to her passion for education and taught English at the New Mexico Military Institute.

After returning to Pueblo in 1987 to care for her ailing parents, Freddie taught night school in District 60 and at Pueblo Community College. She also coached local debate teams and taught for the Catholic Diocese in Colorado Springs. Once her children completed their college education, Freddie earned a Master’s degree at the University of Colorado in Denver and went on to receive her PhD in Speech and Rhetoric from Utah State University.

Upon completing her doctorate, Freddie began her professorial career at the University of San Francisco, marking her return to California. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at USF, especially mentoring younger colleagues. Freddie served a term as Dean of the Department of Rhetoric and Language, earning recognition as an exceptional leader. She also co-authored two books and several journal articles.

After her retirement, Freddie returned to Pueblo, where she found joy in designing her garden and restoring her home. She also loved baking treats for others, particularly for her grandsons.

In addition to her remarkable professional career, Freddie was a dedicated volunteer with Scouting for many years. She served as the Day Camp Director for Cub Scouts in both California and New Mexico, as well as in her local units, including a Girl Scout troop. She also volunteered with other community organizations, including a term as President of the local Altrusa International organization in Roswell.

Freddie was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Marie Amos, and her ex-husband Rik Wiant. She is survived by her three children: Fritz Wiant (Laura) of Aldie, Virginia, Jon Wiant of Falls Church, Virginia, and Laura Wiant of Pueblo, Colorado. She is also survived by two grandsons: Jakob and Joey Wiant of Aldie, Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at the Montgomery & Steward Chapel, 1317 N. Main Street, Pueblo, Colorado, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.