Mary French

Mary Alice French, 96, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in her daughter’s home, surrounded by love and family. Born on Gentry Road in Sedalia, Missouri, on June 13, 1928, Mary Alice lived a life defined by strength, joy, and an adventurous spirit. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lula Florence Hauk, and her father, Charles Melvin Evans; her devoted husband of 28 years, Jeremiah C. French; her brother, James Melvin Evans; her sister, Betty Jewel Evans; and her beloved granddaughter, Nicole Harrington. Mary Alice is survived by her two children, Ralph Eugene Harrington, Jr. and Mary Rebecca Hazell; her four granddaughters, Amy Jo Gray, Julie Ann Pratt, Kristie Harrington Isom, and Kimberly Harrington Delgado, and seven great grandchildren who were the light of her life. After retiring from St. John’s Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Mary Alice and Jeremiah moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, where they spent their days fishing, boating, and enjoying the company of family. She learned to water ski at 57 and never stopped surprising those around her with her zest for life. Mary Alice had a lifelong love of dancing and music—she even taught her granddaughter to jitterbug at age nine. She was an avid traveler, visiting every U.S. state except Hawaii, with her most cherished trip being to Italy with her daughter. She believed age was just a number and proved it time and again: riding a motorcycle to Pike’s Peak in her 60s, ziplining at 90, and getting her ears pierced at 95. She drew the line at a tattoo, though—some boundaries remained. When not adventuring, Mary Alice could be found with a good book, tending her garden, or preparing a delicious meal for her family. As the matriarch of her family, she will be remembered for her quirky little ways, her deep devotion to those she loved, and her timeless wisdom—often shared through sayings that will echo for generations. One of her favorite expressions was, “If you are waiting on me, you are just killing time.” Her legacy is one of courage, laughter, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed and forever celebrated.