Elizabeth Vaudene French

SILVER LAKE – Elizabeth Vaudene French, who was never without a smile and seldom without a fresh-baked pie, passed away Feb. 12, 2016. She was 83. She was born Jan. 19, 1933, in Norcatur, Kan., to Edward A. and Velma Miller Railsback. On Dec. 24, 1950, she married William Edward French, who survives in Silver Lake. She attended Laketon High School. She loved being a country preacher’s wife, often baking several pies, cookies, and cakes a day for parishioners, the homebound and her large family. She was an avid gardener and homemaker who loved to crochet and watch Purdue basketball games. Over her life, she attended South Pleasant United Methodist Church, Liberty Mills United Methodist and West Eel River Church. She also is survived by two sons: Gary, Fort Wayne; and Ron (and spouse Valerie), Okemos, Mich.; a daughter, Kathy Judy, Peru; three grandsons; three granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Gene (and spouse Sheryl) McPherson, Kansas; three sisters: Jane Shepherd, Silver Lake; Shirley (and spouse Louis) Kinch and Dianne (and spouse Todd) Floor, all of North Manchester; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph. Celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at South Pleasant United Methodist Church, 5064 W. 1400 North, North Manchester, with Pastors Kelly Beutler and Russell Reahard officiating. Burial will follow at South Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery. Fellowship hours are two hours prior to the service Tuesday at the church. Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, is in charge of arrangements. Memorials to Indiana University Simon Cancer Community Foundation, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Condolences may be shared at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com