Catherine “Granny” French was born November 10, 1931, in Winchester, AR, to Herbert and Annie (West) Schenks and passed from this Earth on February 17, 2024, in Salem, AR. She was 92. Catherine married Junior French in Farwell, TX, in 1948 and soon began raising a family, migrating throughout the western United States as employment opportunities came available. Working hand-in-hand, Catherine and Junior settled in Saddle, AR, in 1971, and over the next 30+ years built a large cattle farm and custom logging business that sustained the family until retirement.
Catherine was known overwhelmingly as “Granny French” to dozens of individuals that were of no relation. Catherine’s heart was huge and always had love for children. She adored her nieces, nephews, and cousins and received them as her own children. Catherine was a member of First Baptist Church of Ash Flat and attended regularly until she was no longer physically able to do so. Catherine is survived by her half-sister Pat Troup of Oakhurst, CA, four children: Diana (John) Cawvey of Salem, Kathy (John) Ellis of Colorado Springs, Mackie Tompkins of Ash Flat, and John French of Diamondhead, MS. Six grandchildren – Shannon, Brandi, John Mark, Lily, David, and Lauren and six great grandchildren – Nessa, Clyde, Eli, Zoe, Anna, and Allie. She was preceded in death by her husband Junior French, her parents, five brothers, one sister, and a son-in-law James Tompkins.
Funeral services will be 1pm Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Clary Funeral Home in Thayer, MO, with Bro. Stephen Watson officiating. Interment will be at Saddle Cemetery in Saddle, AR, immediately following.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Saddle Cemetery Fund ICO Charles Wayne French.
Pallbearers: Lowell French, DeWayne French, Jeremy Dale Hardin, David Gault, Evan French, James Harris French
Honorary pallbearers: Shannon Paul Jones, John Mark Ellis
