Patricia Lee French

Patricia Lee French January 24, 1940 – August 13, 2026 Heaven gained a true Wildcat! Patricia “Patti” Lee (Prentup) French, age 86, passed away August 13, 2026, at White Oaks in Noblesville, Indiana. Patti was born January 24, 1940, to Frank and Doris (Dalton) Prentup in Manhattan, Kansas. She was raised in Boulder, Colorado, where she graduated from Boulder High School and continued her education at Kansas State University. There, she earned her degree in Elementary Education and formed lifelong friendships as a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. In August of 1961, she married, Steve French. Together, they built a home and a life in Hutchinson and Pretty Prairie, Kansas. As a teacher in Hutchinson and Pretty Prairie, she brought curiosity to life, especially through her love for science and Kansas history. She had a gift for making the world feel like a place worth exploring, both inside the classroom and out. Her passions were big, loud, and joyful. She loved horses and being a “horse show mom.” She lived for sports, cheering passionately for the Kansas State Wildcats, the Chiefs and the KC Royals, but her favorite games were always the ones where her own children were on the field, court or the track. She was the kind of mom who showed up with unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm. Rooted in a deep pride for her Iroquois heritage, she lived her life on her own terms. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and resilient through every season of life. Yet, for all her passions and accomplishments, her greatest legacy wasn't something she did—it was who she raised. Above all else, she was proud that she raised three children who genuinely love, support, and care for one another. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steve French; her parents, Frank and Doris Prentup; her brother, Stanley Prentup; her son-in-law, Fred Hampel; and her nephew, Ivan Prentup. Her spirit, strength, and love live on through those who survive her: her daughters, Leslee Hampel of Evergreen, Colorado; Kellee Meng (Steve) of Fishers, Indiana; her son, Tim French (Autumn) of St. George, Utah; her brothers, Duke Prentup (Paula) and Steve Prentup (Heidi), both of Boulder, Colorado; her cherished grandchildren, Gavin Meng, Grant Meng, Makena French, and Durham French; and three precious great-grandchildren. She taught us to be strong, to stand tall in who we are, to root for our team, to love one another deeply, and never to be afraid to wear our bright purple colors. She will be missed but never forgotten. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Pretty Prairie, KS. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these organizations in Patti’s honor: Pretty Prairie Community Scholarship Fund, PO Box 155 Pretty Prairie KS 67570 Heritage Woods-White Oaks Alzheimer’s Association Fundraiser Anchor of Hope Hospice, make check’s payable to ‘Anchor of Hope Hospice – Indiana’, 973 Keystone Way N., Carmel IN 46032

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Patricia Lee French

January 24, 1940 - August 13, 2026