Lois Eloise French's Obituary
French, Lois Eloise Ridgley age 97, of Sunnyvale, TX, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 13, 1916 in North Manchester, IN to her parents, Orrin and Nora Ridgley. Lois was the youngest of 3 children. She attended the University of Chicago, majoring in art. She married Joseph W. French, Sr. in Independence, MO on September 23, 1945. They had 4 children. Participation in church and Scouting were family traditions. She was an active den mother and proud of her 3 sons and grandson who obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. She was a volunteer at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, a life-long member of Beta Sigma Phi, and served on the Altar Guild at Trinity Episcopal Church in Independence, MO. She was a resident of Garland, TX for 40 years and was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Dallas. Lois and her husband were charter members of the Garland Sam’s Travel Club. After retirement, they traveled full-time for 14 years where they shared her love of painting and sketching. Lois is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Janet French of Rio Rancho, NM; Charles and Mary Lu French of Lindale, TX; and Joseph and Colleen French of Sunnyvale, TX. She is also survived by 3 grandsons, Robert French and his wife, Paige, Grant French, and Joel French, and 4 great-grandchildren, Erin, Sheridan, Josie and Jacob. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. French, Sr.; brother, Herbert Ridgley; sister, Freda Ridgley, and infant son, David Ridgley French. A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held on January 18, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. James Episcopal Church, 9845 McCree, Dallas, TX 75238. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. James Episcopal Church Altar Guild and Acolyte Fund.
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