Lenae Erin Prettyman

“ Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart ”

Winnie-the-Pooh

Lenae Erin Prettyman, 48, of Sandpoint Idaho, passed away on National Winnie-the-Pooh Day January 18th, 2025, after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Lenae was born on January 26th, 1976, to Penny Dingman and Steve Prettyman in Anchorage, Alaska.

Lenae lived with her Grandparents Doris and Ervin Dingman and her Aunt, Wanda Roberts for most of her life. In her youth, she was able to attend Washington School in Sandpoint where she made lasting friendships. For many years after going to school, she enjoyed spending time at PSNI (Panhandle Special Needs) where Lenae’s bright blue eyes, rosy cheeks and happy smile endeared her to everyone she met.

In her youth, Lenae loved to sing and dance. In later years, when she was confined to a wheelchair, she spent her time coloring and putting pennies in her little tin bank. Her favorite cartoon was Winnie-the-Pooh. During all her activities and when she went to bed at night a stuffed Winnie-the-Pooh was at her side.

Lenae loved to sing “Jesus Loves Me” in her own sweet way. Jesus was Lenae’s special friend, she prayed with her grandma before every meal, and she wanted anyone in the room to join in.

Anyone who visited was greeted with a happy smile and Lenae would pat her chest to show her happiness at their arrival. Through the years she gave away many works of art in the form of coloring book pages. Lenae gave butterfly kisses and cheek kisses at any who asked.

Even though she suffered from seizures and many different medical difficulties, Lenae exuded a joyful attitude that was a blessing to everyone around her. She was delighted to greet each morning and was the focal point of the home so lovingly provided for her by her grandmother Doris and her Aunt Wanda. Lenae was a special girl, and a gift to all her family members, many of who were able to help with her care at different times in her life’s journey.

Lenae was predeceased by Her father Steve Prettyman, her Grandfather Ervin Dingman and her Aunt Kimberlee Dingman. She is survived by her Mother, Penny Dingman, Brothers Kyle (Keirstyn) Prettyman and Brian Prettyman, Grandmother Doris Dingman, Aunts Debra Halcro, Wanda Roberts, Sandra (Nathan) Rasor and Uncles Gary (Leslie) Dingman and Douglas (Diana) Dingman. Lenae had Nieces and numerous cousins who spent much of their childhoods playing with her and in so doing learned that disability is a matter of perception. Lenae was perfectly able to express her love and pleasure with everyone who spent time with her. She will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life will be held at the First Lutheran Church 526 S. Olive on January 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM with graveside services following after which their will be a potluck gathering in the fellowship Hall of the church. Please join us in remembering Lenae’s time here with us.