Donna Mae French

Donna Mae French, 81, of Des Moines died October 3, 2019 at Edencrest at Green Meadows in Johnston. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 10 at Iles Westover Chapel with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Private urn burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.

Donna was born in Osceola on August 24, 1938 to the late Donald and Edith (McCracken) Hickman. Following graduation from high school she married Barry French. They made their home in Waterloo before moving to Des Moines in 1963. Four children blessed their marriage, and Donna loved making a home for her family. She later worked for a variety of sporting goods stores and made many good friends in the sports industry. She finished her career after working over 10 years as a receptionist for Calvin Community, where she reconnected with many old neighbors and friends.

As a skilled seamstress, Donna used her talent for her family, friends and even professionally. She enjoyed sailing, travel and supporting her children’s sports and musical activities. She was devoted to her grandchildren and available to them when needed most. She always said her proudest accomplishment was “ Irazd4Js”.

Survivors include her three children, Juli (Scott) Longstreet of Urbandale, Jeff French (Julie Potts) of Lake Oswego, OR and Jon French of Spirit Lake; son-in-law, Bryan Touch of Ankeny; eight grandchildren, Nick (Shauna) Touch, Amanda (Aaron) Shields, Kelsey (John) Hunsberger, Abbey Longstreet and George, Lillie, Sophie and Tess French; four great grandchildren, Eleanor and Emmett Hunsberger and Wilder and Sam Shields; and brother, Roger (Deleath) Hickman of Raymore, MO; as well as seven close step siblings and their families. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jodi Touch and former husband, Barry French.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd., Des Moines. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.