Florene was baptized as a baby. She was confirmed on May 4, 1941 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton City, Missouri.
During her childhood she attended school at Elm Grove, Blue Mound, Lutheran Parochial and Appleton City High School, graduating in 1945. She continued her education at Central Missouri State Teacher College to become an elementary teacher. Florene began her teaching career at Cumpton School in 1945. Her career continued at Hudson (1945-1948), Hopewell (1948-1949), Rich Valley (1949-1950), Ohio (1951-1953) Pleasant View (1953-1954), Lowry City (1954-1959), and Appleton City Elementary (1959-1979). Teaching was a joy in her life and she cherished her students. Florene had an excellent memory and was always happy to see her former students to recall the past and learn about their present lives.
Florene met Darrel French when they both were attendants at Warren and Wilma (Fenwick) Stephan’s wedding. They were married on April 14, 1950 in Osceola, Missouri at Pastor Albert Gaston’s home, who was the minister of Pleasant Valley Church. The couple attended Ohio Christian Church and resided in the Ohio community for 24 years. Together they farmed, raised cattle, hogs and milked cows. On February 14, 1974 they built a new home in Appleton City, Missouri to enjoy their retirement years together. They traveled the United States, owned and showed antique cars and enjoyed camping and fishing at the Fall Creek Campground in Branson, Missouri.
After Darrel passed away in 1994, Florene became an exemplary hand quilter and made beautiful quilts for her nieces, nephews and friends. Florene celebrated her 90th birthday, in style, by buying herself a brand new black GT Mustang to cruise around town.
Florene was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters (Ethel Rohlfing, Irma Stephan and Helen Livingston), three brothers (Walter, Elmer and Wilfred Hearting) and one very special nephew (Darrell Hearting). She is survived by her sister, (Mabel Siegismund), many nieces, nephews and her special friends (Linda Gurley, Helena Strope and Joan Garrison).
Florene was very blessed to have a loving Hospice Care Group led by Dianna and John. Nathalie Schooley and her family are greatly appreciated for their thoughtfulness and kindness shown to Florene during her stay in the Nursing Home. Gratitude goes to the Nursing Home Staff who took such wonderful care of Florene. Florene’s sharp mind and her quality conversations will be greatly missed.
Memorial contribution suggestions are to the Appleton City Cemetery or Heartland Hospice (Butler, MO)
Visitation will be Wednesday April 3rd from 9:30- 10:00am with the funeral to follow at 10am at the Hill & Sons Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri.
