Gertrude "Penny" Sheen passed away early Sunday morning, May 26, 2013, at the University of Utah Medical Center. Many family members counted it a privilege to be by her side as she passed from mortality into eternity.
Penny was born May 4, 1931, in Los Angeles Calif., one of fourteen children.
She met the love of her life, Bill Sheen, at Tony's El Patio Ballroom. She had come to the dance with another friend, but once she and Bill began to dance, it was all over and her friend, "Howie" went home from the dance alone.
For the next 64 years, they worked together on raising a family, running two businesses, making and sharing their home.
Penny was not quite five feet tall, however, anyone who discounted her power or influence based on her size soon found they had made an error in judgment. She was an absolute "force of nature," powerful, determined, imaginative, talented, and intelligent. She was the person you wanted with you to negotiate a deal for a new car, to make sure the repairman did a good job, or to talk to a troubled family member. She had no fear of anyone or anything.
Her family called her not just wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin, but best friend. She was so very alive and intense, interested in everyone and everything.
Although she suffered greatly from Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 45 years, she seldom slowed down, and every gathering was more fun if she was there. Her husband Bill and family thank the local doctors and therapists whose kindness was a blessing.
She is survived by her husband Bill, three sisters, Jessie (George) Baker, Bernice (Kas) Kazmerik, Nancy (Jim) Shobar and three brothers, Harold Penrod, Bob Penrod, and Dwaine (Susie) Penrod, her children, Torrey (Joyce) Sheen, Kenny (Mary) Sheen and Terri (George) Draper, 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
A memorial celebration of her life will be held Saturday, June 8, at 3:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral home with a family and friends get-together at Penny and Bill's home following. In lieu of flowers Penny wanted donations to go to United Cerebral Palsy of Elko (formerly known as Easter Seals).[[In-content Ad]]
