Rowena M. French Hakan, “Sissy,” 80, of Overland Park, Kansas, died March 10 in her home at Park Meadows.

There will be a Celebration of Ro’s life Thursday, March 17, at Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home, Holden, Missouri, at noon with burial immediately following at Holden Cemetery.

She was born in Latour, Missouri, to her wonderful parents Lowell and Lacy Mae French. She had two brothers, Russell and Robert French who preceded her in death.

Rowena grew up on the French farm, and what a beautiful life she had. Rowena married Mel Hakan and they had a wonderful life together until his death on Feb. 4, 2012. Mel left three wonderful children, Brian, David and Jane along with five grandchildren between them.

The family request in lieu of flowers send memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice.