Eva R. French

January 5, 1949 ~
January 26, 2021

Eva R. French, age 72, left this earth and stepped into the arms of her loving Savior on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. She was a devout Christian, and a member of Grand Rapids First, where her husband served as an associate pastor. She was an amazing, loving wife and mother. A genuine Proverbs 31 woman. Eva loved to sew but enjoyed most tending to her large garden. Many bountiful harvests were shared with family, neighbors, and friends throughout the years. Holiday meal prep began months in advance with the freezing, canning, and storing of Mom’s garden produce. “Grandma’s corn” and “Eva’s rolls” were truly legendary. Growing up, her kids hardly knew that store bought food existed. As the family grew, making sure the kids and grandkids had vegetables was so important that she figured out a way to smuggle large quantities of her frozen “goods” during her visits to Canada. She would ship overnight shipments of homemade rolls and Thanksgiving leftovers to Pennsylvania when safe travel weather prevented the family to all be together. Eva retired in 2019 from EBW after 26 years of employment. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Edna Wenger; and her brother-in-law, Boe Harbison. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Larry; children, Dana and Rob Dernberger, Matt and Annie French, Dawn and Billy Losito Jr.; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sisters and brothers, Mary Buckwalter and Bill Plasha, Edna and Brad Yonker, Anna and Rick Horn, Mabel and Mike Brenner, Linda and Terry Koetje, John and Junko Wenger, and Eddie and Martha Wenger. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids First Church Missions at https://app.securegive.com/GRFirst/designated-missions/donate/category.

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 30, 2021 5:29pm
What a shock to read the paper this morning and to learn of Eva's untimely death! We are assuming her death was unexpected and sudden. How sad, and what a shock. She will be missed. Condolences and love. Gary and Judy Alderink

- Judy Alderink

January 28, 2021 4:16pm
We knew Eva as a caring, loving, wonderful friend. We will miss her dearly! May you find peace and comfort in the joy she brought us all. With our sympathies, Cory and Lise

- Cory and Lise Steeby

January 28, 2021 2:29pm
I didn't know Eva, but I did come to know her beautiful daughter, Dana. Dana's love, humor and giving reflects what her Mother must have been like. May she rest in peace and may Dana and her family have comfort and strength.

- Terry Youree

January 28, 2021 10:45am
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Ps 116:15 Pastor Larry, may you feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit now and in the days ahead.

- Jeff & Christi Jirinec

January 28, 2021 9:18am
Larry, so very sorry for your loss, but we thank God for her life, blessings to you my friend

- Wes Brookhouse

January 28, 2021 9:18am
She will be greatly missed. Eva was always ready to greet you as you enter into the church doors with a welcome smile and you could see the peace that she carried. Pastor Larry we are here praying with you and for you ,may God continue to lift you up with all his promises. Robert & Vivian Hill

- Robert & Vivian Hill

January 28, 2021 8:49am
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Miss Eva from GR First Church, as we often sat behind you guys during Sunday services. We remember her very warm eyes and loving hugs during greeting time. May you find God's comfort & peace during this very difficult season. ~Vegas & Lorrie Coleman

- Vegas & Lorrie Coleman

January 28, 2021 8:39am
And Eva's faith has become sight as she has now beheld the marvelous Savior she loved and served so faithfully. Standing with you in prayer, dear friend!

- Pastor Ken Stults

January 27, 2021 9:54pm
I am so sad to hear of Eva's passing. She will be missed. Such a wonderful woman. Lifting you up in prayer.

- Amy Jackiewicz

January 27, 2021 7:21pm
Larry and I are so sorry to hear of Eva's passing. What a legacy she had! We are praying for you and your family Pastor Larry! I'm sure there a big hole in your life after 53 years of marriage. Our love to you! Sharon Barnsdale

- Sharon and Larry Barnsdale

January 27, 2021 6:10pm
Beautiful women inside and out..learned many things work wise....saw her get spunky few times always thought it was cute cause the women didnt have a mean bone in her body..always shared her veggies with us girls at work...you were very loved and admired miss eva..love u

- Michelle Boerman

January 27, 2021 5:48pm
Bill and I are saddened to hear of Eva’s passing! Prayers of peace and comfort to you and your entire family!

- Linda Holton




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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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