Lois Ione (Dysart) French, formerly of Overland Park, Ks, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at an assisted care facility to which she had been transferred earlier in the week from the Truman Medical Center after undergoing surgery the previous week for a broken hip sustained in a fall at her home. She was 95, and had been grappling with Alzheimer's dementia for the past six years. God has finally cleared her fog and shined His light on her.
Lois was born in Omaha, Ne, on September 25, 1918, as the only child of Guy Otis Dysart and Violet Kahler. She grew up in Kansas City, Mo, where she began high school but moved to California where she graduated from Los Angeles High School. She attended college for two years and received an Associate's Degree before marrying Henry Dale French, Jr. on June 30, 1940, and worked as a secretary at the naval base in Farragut, Idaho, while her husband served in the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theatre) during World War II. Upon the war's end, Lois and "Frenchie" returned to Los Angeles where their two sons, Terry Guy French and Gary Thomas French were born. The family moved back to Kansas City in September, 1954, and Lois resumed her secretarial career in Kansas City after her sons graduated from high school before retiring in the 1980's. Lois was a devoted member of the Village Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for over 30 years.
Lois was pre-deceased by her husband of 37 years and her younger son, Tom. She is survived by her older son, Terry, formerly of Dallas, Tx, but currently of Kansas City, Mo, and his daughter (Lois' only grandchild) Meredith French, of San Francisco, Ca. Lois was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother and grandma, very much dedicated to her family. Her peppery personality, feisty outspokenness and loving spirit will be genuinely missed. Her family wishes to thank the staffs and her friends at Overland Park Place, the Don Bosco Senior Center on Independence Avenue, and Glennon Place for the very kind and nurturing comfort they provided Lois in her final time with us. Our sincere appreciation for the compassionate care they provided her cannot be overstated.
A memorial service for Lois will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2014, in the Chapel of the Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Cremation.