Nyla Kae French, 70, of Dallas City, Ill., passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 peacefully at her home.
Nyla was born April 6, 1955 in LaHarpe, Ill., the daughter of D. Nyal and Jacquelyn M. Strong Thomas. Nyla and her brother Bill spent their childhood growing up in their family's home on the Mississippi River in Dallas County. She was a 1973 graduate of Dallas City High School, attended Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa, and received her bachelor's degree from Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Nyla began her 35-year art teaching career at her alma mater in Dallas City. Following the school’s consolidation with Nauvoo-Colusa, she continued as an art teacher there until her retirement in 2024. Nyla influenced many lives throughout her career. Her passion for art inspired many students to pursue their own creative endeavors in the art field. Early in her career, she taught summer art classes at the Burlington Arts for Living Center. She volunteered her talents to design the set of many school plays and musicals. She also donated her art for many worthy causes. One of Nyla's favorite things other than art was traveling. Over the years, many special trips were made out east to see her brother Bill. Besides art and teaching, Nyla also loved the river, boating, cooking and enjoying meals with her family, and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren who were the light of her life.
Survivors include her brother Bill (Janie) Thomas of Newton, New Jersey. Two children: Katie (Luke Heckenberg) French of Tennessee, Ill., and Tyler (Mary Zippe) French of Burlington; five grandchildren: Denver and Max French, Rhys Heckenberg, and Ezra and Indigo French; numerous cousins; and her beloved dog, Jasper, and cat, Chester.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
Friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Banks & Beals in Dallas City, with Ruth Higgins officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow the services at The Landing in Dallas City.
A memorial fund has been established for the Nyla French Art Scholarship Fund.