Della L. French, 82, Carthage, Missouri, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 21, 2023, at Oak Pointe of Carthage, Missouri. Della was born May 14, 1941, in Carthage, Missouri, the daughter of the late Glenn Rimmer and Dorothy (Hill) Rimmer. She attended Carthage High School. Della married the love of her life, James W. “Jim” French, Jr., on January 8, 1971, in Carthage, Missouri; he preceded her in death on April 8, 2023. She worked as a seamstress for Big Smith, manufactured shoes at Juvenile Shoe, worked as a switchboard operator for Leggett & Platt, and worked at Fred’s Frozen Foods.
Della was a fabulous cook, teaching her daughters-in-law various recipes for her wonderful food over the years. She was a wonderful artist, painting beautiful pictures and working on her many crafts. She was a lover of all things Christmas and would have her house decorated a good portion of the year, even decorating other people’s houses. Over the years, Della would buy fabric from the store and using her skills as a seamstress, would make her own clothing. One of her favorite places to shop was at the Dollar Tree, where she would always find her bargains. She was an avid animal lover of all kinds, but especially, her dog Precious. She would tend to her many flowers she had in the garden and enjoyed fishing with her mother and husband at the lake. Della also loved to ride motorcycles with her husband, even going to Sturgis with him. The one thing that was most precious to her and she loved the most, was her family. She also passed on her love for animals and her artistic ability to her grandchildren.
Della lit up any room she was in with her vibrant personality, sweet and ornery manner, and her wonderful sense of humor. She made a lasting impression on people, and one wouldn’t forget her after meeting her just one time. Della will be sorely missed by her loving family and many friends.
Survivors include her four sons, James David French, Frank Meister (Judy), Mark Allen French (Jeania), and Samuel Jayson French (Janice); a brother, Richard Rimmer (Carolyn); fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends; and she leaves behind her beautiful dog, Precious.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Howard Rimmer.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to Carthage Humane Society in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
