Mary Etta Penning

Mary Etta Penning was born on June 3^rd, 1909 to Jack and Mary Maule. Her father died when she was 5 and her mother died when she was 12, leaving her and her brother, Jim, to the care of the orphanage in Twin Bridges, Montana until adulthood.

Mary married Harvey Cook and bore four children with him, but Harvey died when he was still quite young, leaving her a young widow to raise four children on her own. Though times were hard, she managed, and later married Leonard Penning who was the love of her life. She helped Leonard raise his six children and remained at his side until he died in 1993. Mary loved her family, the great outdoors and dogs. Mary loved God and has waited to be with Him for some time now. Her friends and family rejoice with her that her time for crossing over has finally come. She left to be with her savior on November 23^rd, at the age of 97.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jim McMann; husband, Harvey Cook; son, James Alva Cook (who disappeared in 1964 and had not been heard from since); and her husband Leonard Penning.

She is survived by her daughters, Lou Penning of Augusta, MT and Alzora Amelia Nicols of El Paso, TX; son, William Cook of Troy, MT; step daughter, Marie Lynn (Penning) Shoen of Billings, MT; stepsons, Wayne Steven Penning of Billings, Lewis Penning of Shepherd, MT, Dale Penning of Portland, OR, Douglas Penning of Clatskanie, OR and Dennis Penning of Arizona. Mary also leaves behind a great number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and also many great-great grandchildren. Mary made many friends in life and will be missed by all who knew her.

Per Mary’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. Cremation had taken place.