Gladys M. French, 92, of New Baden, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Grange Nursing Home in Mascoutah. She was born January 30, 1916 in Harrisburg, Ark. daughter of Arthur Russell and Mary Ann (Cleamer) Cromwell. She married John W. French March 10, 1940 in St. Louis County, MO and he preceded her in death on August 10, 1998.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia (Keith) Stumpf of New Baden; eight grandchildren, Deborah Richardson, Todd (Mary) Reilly, Kelly Hills, Kathy (Herbie) Bays, Diana (Michael) Fulton, Paul (Nancy) Flahan, Pam (Scott) Fenster and Jordan Stumpf; 15 great-grandchildren and one step great grandson; a sister, Mildred (Charles) Johnston of Belleville; and a sister-in-law, Wynemia Saeger of Flushing, Mich; she is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jean Wiley; a son, Johnnie "Bud" French; a grandson, Donald French; and two brothers, Roy Cromwell and Orbin Cromwell.

Mrs. French was a retired grocery checker having worked at the A & P in East St. Louis. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Mascoutah and the East St. Louis Local 534 Amalgamated Meat Cutters.  She was the most loving and giving mom and grandma ever and we will
miss you dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2008 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Pastor Wayne Boostrom officiating. Burial will follow at the Valhalla Garden of Memory in Belleville.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2008 and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2008 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Assembly of God Church of Mascoutah or to PTOEC (Belleville Parent Teachers of Exceptional Children/Special Olympics) and will be received at the funeral home.