Berniece French

Rossville-Berniece L. French passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at her home near Rossville. She was born May 15, 1914 in Delia the daughter of Vera and Robert Kirby. On November 20, 1933 she was united in marriage to Howard Robert French in Lawrence. They had three sons, Gary DeVere, Laird Leslie and Howard Douglas. Berniece and Howard started a trucking business hauling cattle from the Rossville area to the KC Stockyards. Later they became farmers in the Kaw River Valley. Berniece became postmaster in Rossville in 1967 and held that post for 17 years. She enjoyed traveling and visited many different countries during her lifetime. Berniece especially enjoyed visiting family and friends in California and Colorado. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church. Berniece was preceded in death by Howard, her husband of 37 years; her parents, Vera & Robert Kirby, sisters Donice DeYoung and Roberta Larson; brothers Robert (Bud) and Neal Kirby. She is survived by her sons, Gary (K) French and Laird (Sharon) French all of Topeka and Doug French, Rossville; a sister, Doris Gross, Danville, CA; a brother, Jim Kirby, Valyermo, CA; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Rossville Cemetery. Mrs. French will lie in state at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, March 14, 2013 where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Rossville United Methodist Church or Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home.