Barbara Alice (French) Bishop-Franz, of Wichita, Kansas, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her family on March 22, 2019. Immensely loved, she will be dearly missed.
Barbara was born July 16, 1938, in Columbus, Kansas, the oldest child to Glen and Alice French. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers-in-law, and survived by three sisters; Glenda Webb, Georgia (Richard) Lankford, Phyllis (Arthur) Garcia, and their families.
During childhood, Barbara homesteaded in Wichita, Kansas. She married Jim Bishop in 1954; they enjoyed music and dancing with their many friends. Barbara's true passion was caring for her husband and children. They had 3 children; Diana (David) Thompson, Bill (Stella) Bishop and their infant daughter, Eleanor Bishop, who passed away shortly after birth. They were blessed with their grandchildren; Chad (Tammy) Thompson; Annette (Heath) Hamil; Jeremy (Brooke) Bishop; Jeremiah Bishop; Jimmy (Joy) Bishop, and their families. She was preceded in death by Jim in 1985.
After Jim's passing, Barbara married David Franz, in 1987. David and Barbara were married 31 years. They lovingly blended their families and shared a devoted relationship to one another. Though primarily retired, they owned D&B Gun Sales. Through D&B they enjoyed traveling many miles together to the regional shows. David had 3 children prior to the marriage, David Franz Jr., Tim (Sylvia) Franz and Charles Franz; grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Barbara was the true matriarch of the family. She was the "glue", her positivity and her unselfish character always placed her family first. She will be remembered for her overwhelming love and generosity for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always eager to babysit, lend an ear, defend and set them straight when needed. She had a wonderful gifted spirit with children and truly loved having them with her.
Barbara was ornery with a tenacious spirit. Her will and determination led her to fight and win against breast and colon cancer four times. She loved watching birds; Cardinals were her favorite. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, having long conversations with her family, crime shows and western movies.
A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. March 28, 2019, with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following, both at Resthaven Mortuary.
