Lois M. French Thorne

Lois M. (Lafferty) French Thorne, 92, of Topeka, passed away at McCrite Health Center on December 29, 2017 surrounded by her family. She had lived the past seven years at McCrite’s where she had many friends.

She was born in Osage City, Kansas on April 11, 1925 the daughter of L. M. “Max” and Bernice (Westlund) Lafferty. She was a 1943 graduate of Topeka High School.

Lois was a homemaker. She was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed painting, arts and crafts and golf. Lois especially loved spending time with her family. She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

She married Neal W. Thorne on April 23, 1972. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2011. She was also predeceased by a grandson, Justin French. Survivors include her children, Lynda (James) Tilley of Sedro Woolley, WA, Max (Susan) French of Topeka, Teresa (Doug) Maley of Emporia, Janet (Frank) Bennett of Blue Eye, MO, Carolyn (Mike) Randall of Lenexa, KS, Patti (Gary) Shafer of Topeka, 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Lois will lie in state at the Mount Hope Mausoleum Chapel on Thursday after 10:00 a.m. where a rosary will be prayed followed by the family receiving friends until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. with entombment to follow in the Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.