Lois R. Pennell

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Lois R. Pennell

Feb. 28, 1939 - Dec. 4, 2017

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Lois R. Pennell, 78, of Grand Island, passed away on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at Brookfield Park in St. Paul.       

Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at All Faiths Funeral Home in Grand Island. Reverend Trudy Kenyon Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Friday at the funeral home.

Lois was born on Feb. 28, 1939, at Lebanon, Neb., daughter of Ira and Matilda (Fisher) Williams.

Lois is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Warren and Randi Pennell of Grand Island; brothers, Robert (Jenny) Williams of Maine and Dale (Rose) Williams of Golden, Colo.; beloved grandchildren, Chris, Meghan, and Cody; nieces, Barbara Richardson and Theresa Gruber; many other special nieces and nephews she considered her children; along with numerous extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Wayne; parents; and nine brothers and sisters.

Lois was raised on a farm near Danbury. In 1956, she graduated from McCook High School. Following graduation, she was employed by Woolworth Department store in McCook.

On Oct. 14, 1962, Lois was united in marriage to Wayne Pennell.  Lois and Wayne traveled through Wayne’s work and they lived in Beloit, Kan., and Salida, Colo., before making Grand Island their home.  Lois volunteered at Jefferson Elementary and was employed by Walnut Junior High as a lunch server, where she received a 25-year service award.  Lois retired in 2001.

Lois attended the Church of God and she loved to share her faith and live the life of a Christian. She was a skilled seamstress and had a love of cooking and recipes, collecting cookbooks and magazines.  Her greatest delight was her grandchildren.  She attended their every ball game and music program. Wayne and Lois attended church at the Salvation Army, where Lois supported Wayne as he provided music for the services.  Every Saturday, Lois quilted with the Salvation Army Sewing Group.  She cared for Wayne until his passing on Oct. 21, 2015.

Memorials are suggested to First Faith United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army.

Online remembrances may be left for the family at www.giallfaiths.com.