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Rita Pennybaker Obituary
Funeral service for Rita Ann (Thompson) Pennybaker, 83, Lawrence, Kansas will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 11th, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lawrence, Kansas. Following the service Rita will be put to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas. Rita passed away at home at 3:10 am on Saturday, December 7th, with her family by her side.
Friends may call at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, Lawrence, Kansas, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 10th.
Rita was born June 21st, 1930 in Olathe, Kansas. She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School in Lenexa, Kansas, and graduated from Olathe High School, Olathe, Kansas, in 1948. She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University) in 1953 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She taught kindergarten in Shawnee, Kansas for two years while going to school.
On July 31st, 1953 she married Dale Pennybaker in Emporia, Kansas. She taught special education, kindergarten, and physical education at Iowa City, Iowa from 1953 to 1956. They lived in Fremont, Nebraska from 1956 till 1964. Then they lived in Minot, North Dakota from 1964 till 1966, and then in Wayne, Nebraska from 1966 till 1969. They lived in Evergreen, Colorado from 1969 until 1989 where she taught physical education and fourth grade at Wilmot Elementary school. She retired from there in 1984.
They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1989 where she was active in PEO, Alvamar Women's Golf Association, Salvation Army Auxiliary, and Redeemer Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dale, of the home; a son, Kent Pennybaker and his wife Janet, of Lawrence; a grand-daughter, Atherly, and a grand-son Austin. She is also survived by her brother, Hugh Thompson, Jr., and his wife Arlene, of Gardner, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Redeemer Lutheran Church or The American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Pennybaker
5 Entries
Bonnie Schwartz
December 12, 2013
I am SO sad about Rita! She was a great friend and will not be forgotten. My condolences to you, Dale and also Kent and his family. Bonnie Schwartz
Luann Schwartz
December 10, 2013
Rita was a great friend to my mother and she and Dale were the reason they ended up "wintering" in Palm Springs. I will always remember Rita as a great cook and as someone with a wonderful laugh. My prayers and sympathy to Dale, Kent and the entire family.
Ed & Elaine Herman
December 9, 2013
Rita was one of those unique dedicated, loving, and caring individuals who could provide the glue to pull things together. This was especially true with the Thompson and Herman families and the various annual events you coordinated.
Your warm engaging personality always may you feel welcomed and glad you had a little time to share with you and get caught up on the latest family events, additions or what someone was doing now.
Thank you Rita for the countless and thankless hours you spent keeping that family trees up to date.
It was always a joy and pleasure to see you at Christmas time and sharing the joy and excitement of the next "gag gift" exchange at Pat and Mike Venneman's house for Christmas.
Those memories will be cherished forever. You will always remain an integral part of our lives and truly missed for the joy and happiness to brought to this world.
May you rest in peace forever in our Heavenly Father's arms. Your time on this earth was well spent and you deserve a well earned eternal rest.
May God Bless you. With love,
>>>> Ed & Elaine Herman
Gail Zukav-Ross and David Ross
December 9, 2013
Rita was easy to love and very hard to let go. We continue to embrace you in our hearts and send light to all her family.
Personal Care for Loved Ones
December 9, 2013
Rita's gentle determination and graceful acceptance touched out lives in many ways that we still are discovering. Our staff send blessings and prayers. AT HOME, Inc.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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