Charlene Sue (Kendall) Patton of Grantville, Kansas, died September 20, 2026, at the family farm, where she was surrounded by her husband, children and loved ones. She was 73.
For decades, Patton was closely connected to Kansas agriculture, food education and youth programs. Her work included more than 20 years with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, leadership with organizations connected to Kansas crops and food production, and decades of involvement with 4-H and community activities.
A Grantville Life Built Around Family and Faith
Patton was born January 14, 1953, to John and Juanita (Uhl) Kendall and was raised in Grantville. Her connection to the community remained strong throughout her life.
She was a longtime member of Grantville United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, worked with youth and participated in church committees. She had been part of the congregation for more than seven decades.
After graduating from Jefferson West High School in 1971, Patton continued her education at Kansas State University. Her interest in foods and nutrition had already developed through 4-H, where she earned both state and national recognition.
She graduated from Kansas State in 1975 with a degree in Foods and Nutrition in Business. It was also during her college years that she met Dan Patton.
The two married June 18, 1977, and went on to raise a family together.
Decades of Work in Kansas Agriculture
Patton spent more than 50 years promoting Kansas food and agricultural products.
Her career with the Kansas Department of Agriculture lasted 21 years. She worked as a Marketing Specialist and later became Domestic Marketing Coordinator, serving during the administrations of five Kansas governors and seven Secretaries of Agriculture.
In 1978, she was involved in establishing the “From the Land of Kansas” trademark, which became a recognizable mark associated with Kansas-made products.
Her professional work later included the Kansas Soybean Commission, Kansas Wheat Commission and Home Baking Association. She eventually became executive director of the Home Baking Association, a position she held until retiring in 2023.
Her knowledge of cooking and food also brought her into television. Viewers across Kansas saw her cooking segments and recipe demonstrations on WIBW-TV, KAKE-TV and KOAM-TV.
In 2025, WIBW-TV recognized her long career with a special program titled “50 Years of Cooking with Charlene.”
4-H, Baking and a Love of Teaching
Long before her professional career, 4-H had played an important role in Patton’s life. Her experiences in the organization helped shape her interest in food, nutrition and agriculture.
She continued encouraging young people and families throughout her career, combining education with practical lessons about food and cooking.
Her achievements included the Friend of Soy Award and recognition as Kansas State 4-H Family of the Year. Her cookbook, Baking with Friends, also received the Benjamin Franklin Book Award.
Despite those professional accomplishments, her family remained at the center of her life.
Remembered by Her Family
Patton particularly enjoyed being present for the important moments in her grandchildren’s lives. She attended their dance recitals, concerts and sporting events and helped make family traditions a major part of their lives.
For about 40 years, the family also maintained an annual summer vacation tradition.
She was proud of her Czech heritage and was involved with Bohemian Hall and ZCBJ Moravan Lodge #128. Her interests included music, polka dancing, baking and gardening, while many of her happiest moments were spent with family around the kitchen table.
Patton is survived by her husband, Dan, whom she had been married to for nearly 50 years.
She is also survived by her daughters, Jana Patton; Krista (Kyle) Kramer; Megan (Aaron) Pavez; and Lori (John) Patton Aguilar.
Her 11 grandchildren are Lee, Ezra, Sunny, Charlotte, Ophelia, Isabel, Danny, Madelyn, Everett, Josie and Noa.
She is also survived by her brother, Ronnie (Julie) Kendall, and sister, Karen (Robert) Norris, along with extended family members including cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her parents, John and Juanita Kendall, and her nephew, Ryan W. Kendall, died before her.
Funeral Services for Charlene Patton
Family and friends gathered for visitation Sunday, September 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Parker Price & Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka.
A celebration of Patton’s life is scheduled for Monday, September 28, at 10 a.m. at Grantville United Methodist Church in Grantville.
Charlene Patton leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, faith, food education, agriculture and service to young people. Her influence reached well beyond her professional roles, with generations of families encountering her through her cooking, teaching, community involvement and dedication to Kansas.
She will be remembered by those who knew her for the life she built around the people and causes she cared about most.
