Winnie Rae (Duvall) French

Winnie Duvall French, was welcomed into heaven with open arms on Friday, August 27, 2021, by the many beloved souls who were waiting to start the party until she got there.  Those warmly welcoming her included her sister (Eva), her father (Ted), her mother (Peg), her husband (George), her companion (Bud), her sister (Honey), her granddaughter (Jenessa), her brother (Ace), her daughter (Gale), and most recently her brother (Mark) who brought his pinochle cards with him.

There are many reasons to celebrate Winnie’s life as it was full and over flowing with love, laughter, and life long learning.  Winnie’s indomitable curiosity about all things great and small carried her into being admired as a wise woman who was willing to ponder and discuss anything under the sun.  People would come to her for advice, and she would make the time to sit with them, listen, ask invested questions and then offer a caring response to their concerns. In fact, she cared so deeply that she often wore her heart on her sleeve.

Winnie was born August 10, 1937 in Malta, MT to Theodore and Margaret (Wright) Duvall. Her early years were spent in Phillips County. On August 16, 1952 Winnie married L. George French, this union brought 5 children Georgia Gale, Billy Wade, Theodore, Shirley Rae, and Margie Bell.

Winnie was a devoted and protective mother to her five children.  She once chased an insensitive classroom teacher down the hallway with a two by four and would have taught the teacher a lesson she would never forgotten, if the principal hadn’t interfered.

Winnie possessed a fighter spirit and overcame many obstacles that life put in her path with an abundant perseverance and an equally well developed sense of humor.

Winnie is survived by her daughters; Shirley and Margie, sons; Ted and Billy Wade, sisters; Faye and Ada Marie (Bob), brother-in-law Bill (Corky) French, sister-in-law Susan Johnson, brother-in-law Bob Lake, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved her immensely.

Winnie will be sorely missed here on Earth but we welcome her continued presence in our lives as an angel of heaven.  Gone but never forgotten, we all love you, Winnie.

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