Thelma French

Thelma Nadene French, 79, of Buchanan, Michigan died Thursday, December 1 at Lakeland Medical Center, Niles. She was born October 24, 1932 in Kinder Missouri to the late Ralph and Dona Townsend. In 1951 in Buchanan, Michigan Thelma married Pat Hanlin who preceded her in death in 1974. On January 2, 1993 she married Robert W. French who preceded her in death in 1999.Thelma is survived by three daughters, Bambi (Erick) Salo and Patricia (Kevin) Chance both of Buchanan and Laura (John) Hanlin of Niles; one son Michael (Mary) Hanlin of Three Rivers, Michigan. A son Kim Hanlin preceded her in death in 1980. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Deanna Lolmaugh, Patrick Hanlin, Alex Nichols, Adrienne Nichols, Lindsey Leech, David Leech, Brendan Leech, Emily Chance, Katie Chance and Ally Chance; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa Nichols, Kaiden Nichols, Arianna Nichols, Betsy Hall and Meghan Hall.Thelma enjoyed working crossword puzzles, her membership in the Quilting Club as well as doing historical research with her husband Robert French.Visitation will be on Monday, December 5 from 4-8 p.m. at Swem Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. also at Swem Chapel with Pastor Rob McPherson of First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.Memorial contributions may be made to the Buchanan District Library, 128 E. Front St., Buchanan, Michigan 49107.