Verna L. French

It’s with a heavy heart and many cherished memories, that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Verna L. French, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, and sister. At the age of 94, she left this world on October 2, 2025, to live in her heavenly home.

Verna was born to Frank J. and Mabel F. (Shipman) Isenbart on October 11,1930, in Belle Plaine, KS. Verna attended the Mulvane schools and was baptized at Mulvane United Methodist Church. Verna married Mason D. French on November 11, 1946. This union was blessed with five children, Thomas, Gerald, Deborah, Kelly, and Lisa. Mason and Verna owned French’s Dental Lab and worked together for over 30 years. Verna was also employed by Sterling Drug/Sanofi Drug for 18 years. Mason passed away on November 4, 2000.

Verna’s incredible sense of humor could light the darkest of days, and her infectious laughter was a reminder to all of us that life is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. She had the ability to find humor in most any situation and turned ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Verna’s love for music was part of her life. Whether she was singing along to her favorite songs while cleaning house or dancing the night away, music brought her joy and relaxation.

Verna’s love for dancing brought her best friend and significant other, James Leewright, into her life. During their time together, Verna and Jim enjoyed dancing, concerts, eating out, traveling on bus tours, and many rodeos, including the Cheyenne Rodeo. Jim passed away December 11, 2023.

Verna said above all the things she accomplished in her life, she was proudest raising her five children and her role of grandmother and great-grandmother, “GG”. Verna touched the lives of countless family and friends, leaving all with love and laughter to everyone she encountered. Her memory will forever be an inspiration to us all to find joy in everything you are faced with and live life to the fullest and laugh and find humor in all situations. She’d state, “If you have a chance to GO, then, GO and be with family and friends and have a good time”. As we move forward in the days to come, let us celebrate the legacy she left to all of us, to love each other, and share in the laughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mason; significant other, James; six sisters, Florence Smith, Nina Howard, Hazel Dollard, Zella Dingman, Francis Isenbart, & Edna Ele.

Verna is survived by a brother, Ernest Isenbart of Springdale, AR; her children, Thomas (Cathy) French of McPherson, KS, Gerald French of Marquette, KS, Deborah (Ronald) Brown of McPherson, KS, Kelly Larson of Marquette, KS, Lisa Starr (Ed Guymon) of Wichita, KS; 16 grandchildren, Chad (Gina) French, Staci Curl, Wade (Misty) French, Ben (Jenny) French, Jon (Amanda) French, Tyler (Kelly) French, Haley (Jason) Sherwood, Drew French, Amy (Jason) Lamb, Jason (Annie) Brown, Luke (Angel) Brown, Emily (Steven) Forssberg, Tim (Nikki) Larson, Heath (Kristi) Starr, Aaron (Jen) Starr, & Samuel (Allison) Starr; and 30 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by former sons-in-law & daughters-in-law, Melody Athey, Jo French, Ron Larson, & Lyle Starr. Verna loved family reunions and visiting with all her nieces, nephews and relatives, that were very special to her.

Verna said “have fun in life, I did.”

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Sunday, November, 23, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 24, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Andrew Conard officiating. Inurnment will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Friendly Fremont 4-H Club or WACCC (Women and Children Combating Cancer) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.