Wilma B. French, 92, of Partridge, died April 7, 2011, at Dillon Living Center in Hutchinson. She was born Jan. 22, 1919, in Poteau, Okla., the daughter of Harvey T. and Bernice Hopkins Coggins. She moved with her family to Hutchinson in 1934. She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1935 and attended Hutchinson Junior College from 1935 through 1937. She later graduated from Adela Hale Business College in 1962.



She was a member of the Partridge Community Church. She was active with various committees and professional organizations, and was a faithful member of the "Roadrunner Club." For twenty years she worked in various capacities at the Kansas Job Service Center including youth counselor, interviewer and later manager until her retirement in 1981. She also was a dedicated farm wife and housekeeper known for her great meals especially her desserts.

She married Richard French on Jan. 22, 1937, in Partridge. He died March 15, 1998. Survivors include: two sons, Richard C. French and wife Terry, Branson West, Mo., and James M. French and wife Lisa, Partridge; a daughter, Susan B. Morton, Hutchinson; 7 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, H.T. Coggins and a sister, Berma Griffin.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2011, at the Partridge Community Church in Partridge, with the Rev. Samuel Askew and Chaplain Robert Phipps presiding. Burial will follow in the Partridge Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the family greeting friends Sunday 4 to 6 p.m., all at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Partridge Community Church or Hospice of Reno County, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Friends may visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave the family a condolence.