Published: July 19, 2007 11:09 pm         

Katherine Mae French

BRAZIL — Katherine Mae French, 90, of Brazil, died on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at 9:45 p.m. in her residence.

Born to Charles Augustus McAllister and Evelyn McFarland McAllister on Sept. 19, 1916 in Great Falls, Mont. The family located in Putnam Co., in Reelsville in 1920. She attended Reelsville School. On July 21, 1932 she married Don French. They were married 60 years when Don died in November of 1992. They not only were married and enjoyed a family in those years; they were partners in several successful businesses in the Brazil area. In the early years, Katherine did the bookwork for Don French Paint and Body Shop. From 1954 to 1963 she did the planning, design, decorating, and book work for their home construction business. In 1965 they founded Tracer Trailers, where she worked in the office, selling, marketing and was the final inspector of the horse trailers before leaving the plant. She and Don sold the business in 1974, and enjoyed semi-retirement in Florida during the winter months. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

For over two years she has been blessed with the devotion and friendship of several care givers, especially Wanda Tiefel and Deloris Jackson. They have been her extended family during this time and the entire French family is forever grateful for such wonderful love and patience.

She is survived by her son Dr. Charles French and daughter-in-law Susie French, of Brazil; grandchildren, Tim Ringo of Atlanta, Traci and Brad Miller of Brazil, Nick and Jennifer French, of Brazil, Justin and Amanda Garzolini of Terre Haute, Katie French and Shelby French of Brazil; two great-granddaughters Ashley and Danny Swearingen of Terre Haute and Erin Ringo of Bloomington; four great-grandsons, Joshua Miller and Samuel Miller of Brazil, and Anthony Garzolini and Dominic Garzolini of Terre Haute; sister Lois McDonald of Terre Haute; brother Robert McAllister and wife Betty of Florida, and one sister-in-law Mary French of Brazil; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Ringo Thompson; her parents; her husband; and two brothers, Charles and James McAllister; sister, Marie Gardner.

Services will be Sunday at French Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with Gary Scroggins officiating. Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery.

Visitation will be at French Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Clay County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.