Esther Mae French

When Esther was seventeen years old, she met the love of her life. He proposed one week after their first meeting and the two joined in holy matrimony just two and one half months after their first meeting. Ironically, both partners came from homes with broken marriages; however, the two remained husband and wife for sixty-six years until he passed away in January 2023.

The Frenches were long-time members of Hermitage United Methodist Church. Mrs. French always enjoyed cooking, sewing, and entertaining their friends in their home. In 2021, she sensed a God-inspired prompting to tell her life’s story. So, she set out to do just that. She wrote her autobiography, “I Remember When”, and had it published. Shortly thereafter, her husband’s health began to decline. After his passing, her health began to fail her as well. The timing had to be God-inspired. She loved well . . . was well-loved . . . and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. French is preceded in death by her father, John Cramer; her mother; and the love of her life for sixty-six years, Fred K. French. She is survived by son, Jim French (Nina McAnn); daughter, Deborah Abrams; grandchildren Rachel Driver (Dustin), Kyle Abrams (Ayla), Hallie McAnn; great grandchildren Mireya Driver, Daphne Driver, and Esme Abrams.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held at the Hermitage United Methodist Church on Friday, May 10, at 2:00 PM. A time of visitation with the family will follow. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the French family at HermitgeFH.com.