TOPEKA, Kan. – Lois M. (Lafferty) French Thorne, 92, of Topeka, Kan., passed away Dec. 29, 2017, at McCrite Health Center, 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, Kan., 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, Sedro Woolley, Wash., Max (Susan) French, Topeka, Teresa (Doug) Maley, Emporia, Kan., Janet (Frank) Bennett, Blue Eye, Mo., Carolyn (Mike) Randall, Lenexa, Kan., and Patti (Gary) Shafer, Topeka; and 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Lois will lie in state at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at the Mount Hope Mausoleum Chapel, where a rosary will be prayed followed by the family receiving friends until 11 a.m. Funeral services will be at 11 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 Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.