Wanda Joy Penley, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2013 at the age of 86. Her gentle and loving presence will be truly missed by her family and friends.
Wanda was born in Utica, Kansas on April 9, 1927 and attended school there until her family moved to Burlington, WA, where she attended Burlington-Edison High School graduating in 1945. She was united in marriage to Bernie Penley of Alger, and they remained married for 60 years until his death in 2007. They spent most of their married life in Skagit County, with the last 35+ years in Lyman, WA.
Wanda worked at the Carnation can factory at the end of World War II, and would tell interesting stories about that period. She was also a long-time employee, and retired from Northern State Hospital, working in the wards and later the kitchen for Job Corp. She enjoyed her years there and made many life-long friends. She was recognized on several occasions for her dedication to the job and excellent work ethic.
Everyone who visited her home was made to feel welcome and treated to the most delicious country foods, especially her homemade desserts and canned foods from the garden. Her greatest joy was her family, and she did all she could to support them. We were blessed to have her for an example of what is important in life. Rest in peace.
She leaves behind her three children, Charles Penley and wife Barbara of San Ramon, CA, Terry Watts of Concrete and Bernard “Bud” Penley, Jr. and wife Teresa of Mesa, AZ; 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Mildred Bashore and husband John of Sacramento; brother, Jack Mitten and wife Bonnie of Denver, CO and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bernard and three brothers, Jim Mitten, Wayne Mitten, Jr. and Tom Mitten (all of Kansas).
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Interment will follow at the Bow Cemetery.
Chuck, Terry & Bud
I’m so sorry to read about your Mom’s passing, She always had such a sweet nature to her. Our thought’s and prayers are with you through this sad time.
Ron & Gale Parker