Loretta J. French – observertoday.com

Jun 2, 2025
Loretta J. French
COLLINS — Loretta J. French, age 90, passed away Tuesday morning, May 27, 2025, at the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital in Springville surrounded by family.
Born in Springville, February 11, 1935, the daughter of Wallace and Nettie (Hintz) Ranke.
Loretta was a Registered Nurse at the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center, and later retired from the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. Her nursing career spanned more than 30 years.
Loretta loved her faith and was a member of various church groups; including the Kaleidoscope Ministries and the Family Church of South Dayton. Loretta devoted many years volunteering for the Tri County Crisis Pregnancy Center in Gowanda.
Loretta married Dr. Everett E. French. Together, they enjoyed much travel in retirement. Everett passed away November 28, 2004.
Survivors include a son; Joseph L. (Lori) DeCarlo of Collins, NY and Clearwater, FL. Grandchildren Louis DeCarlo, Leah Marie (Zach Spire) DeCarlo and John DeCarlo. Loretta is also survived by a sister in-law Ruth Ranke, her nieces Deborah Pett and Beth Spina, nephew Paul Ranke, along with Doc’s daughter’s Linda Takats, Leslie (David) Honeychurch and their families.
Loretta was a very social person, cultivating many precious relationships throughout life. She enjoyed bowling and playing euchre, where she was known for her sense of humor and love of a good time. Her neighbors became like family to her, and her pets were her constant companions.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother David Ranke and sister Marilyn Dunkleman. Both David and Marilyn passed away in April of 2021.
Friends may call at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center Gowanda, NY from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday June 6, 2025 where funeral services will be held Saturday morning June 7, 2025 @ 10:00am . Interment to follow in the Maplewood Cemetery Springville .Pastor and friend Mike Anderson will officiate.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Family Church 213 Pine St. South Dayton, NY 14138 or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd. System Island, NY 10306.
Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of New York, Inc. | https://www.observertoday.com | PO Box 391, Dunkirk, NY 14048 | 716-366-3000

source