Barbara Lou French

Barbara L. French, 93, of Niles, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital. Born on July 17, 1932, in Niles, Barbara was the daughter of Fred G. Eisele and Bertha M. (Albaugh) Eisele. A graduate of Niles High School and a lifelong resident of the area, she built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.

On June 14, 1950, Barbara married the love of her life, Henry French. Together they shared nearly 63 years of marriage, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion until Henry’s passing in 2013.

Barbara spent more than 45 years caring for others through French’s Adult Foster Care. Serving those in need was never simply a job—it was a calling. She treated everyone with dignity, compassion, and genuine love, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless families.

Above all else, Barbara treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the greatest blessings of her life. She never missed an opportunity to support them, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply enjoy being together. Whether tending to her garden, traveling throughout the United States and Canada with her son, or gathering with loved ones, Barbara found joy in life’s simple moments.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her as loving, generous, gentle, and selfless. She possessed a quiet strength and a servant’s heart, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the compassion she extended to everyone she met.

Barbara leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, James (Elizabeth) French, Susan (Tom) Rump and Steven (Stacie) French; her grandchildren, Jason (Alesia) Kurz, Emma (Devin) Blankinship, Elyse Cooper, Ashley (Ryan) French, Morgan (Randi) French, Emily French, Sarah French, Kyle (Kristen) McFarland, and Ryan McFarland; her great-grandchildren, Breeana, Connor, Samuel, Harper, Charlie, Lily, Jaxon, Blaine, Madison, Gwyn, and Colette and her sister Caroline Eisele.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry French; her parents, Fred and Bertha Eisele; her daughter, Linda McFarland and her brothers, Maynard Eisele and Marvin Eisele.
Family and friends are invited to gather at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, at Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake St. Niles, MI., where visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Barbara will be laid to rest beside her husband at Silverbrook Cemetery immediately following the service. Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s honor to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.