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BORN

1924

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Nampa Funeral Home

415 12th Avenue South

Nampa, Idaho

Shirley Pennell Obituary

Shirley Wissel Marsh Pennell
October 20, 1924 - October 22, 2016
Shirley Rosalind Amundson was born October 20, 1924 to Albert Ollie and Maude Williams Amundson in Caldwell, Idaho. She died peacefully two days after her 92nd birthday on October 22, 2016.
Shirley's greatest legacy was her large and ever-expanding family. As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she imparted an intuition, empathy and wisdom to everyone within her realm. Each of her children and grandchildren knew they were special in her eyes no matter where their life had taken them or what choices they had made. She always said I love you and meant it.
As a young woman, Shirley married Ralph Wissel in August of 1942 and was pleased to become a part of his large family. Shirley and Ralph had eleven children together and farmed on the Wissel homestead for many years. At that time Shirley was active in the St. Paul's Catholic Church and school community. She was a very accomplished seamstress who somehow found time to make classic, couture clothing for her daughters, including first communion, graduation and prom gowns as well as a wedding dress. During those years, in addition to raising her family, Shirley returned to school and earned her degree from the College of Idaho in 1973.
In 1974, Shirley married Eldon Marsh. Shirley and Eldon created a warm, welcoming and joy-filled home for her family and their close group of Caldwell friends. They also ran businesses including Givens Hot Springs and Marsh Realty. After Eldon's death in 1986, Shirley fulfilled a life-long dream of traveling, including a solo trip to Italy, which she loved.
She later married Virgil Pennell and moved to Meridian. A highlight of their years together was a trip to Africa. Shirley especially enjoyed an African safari and often remembered the peacefulness of her hot air balloon ride over a Masai game reserve.
When Virgil passed away in 1996, Shirley moved back to Caldwell where her doors and heart were always open to family, friends and neighbors. Despite health challenges in recent years, she continued to travel to various states for family celebrations and to Mazatlan each spring.
Shirley had a lifelong intellectual curiosity. Her houses were filled with books, she loved discussing what people were reading, and there was always a crossword puzzle in her hand or in her purse. She cared deeply for the natural world; loved the birds at her feeders, her dogs and cats curled at her feet and the flowers blooming in the pots on her patio. Everyone who knew Shirley would agree she had a keen sense of style and kept up on the latest trends. She loved to play Words with Friends, online Mah Jong and texted like a pro. Her fashion sense was undeniable and recently said she didn't know which was harder, giving up high heels or driving. Clearly, it was the heels.
Shirley is survived by her eleven children: Clinton (Judy) Wissel, John (Kathy) Wissel, Carolynn (Ted) Terry, Kathy Wissel (Bob Goodkind), Marybeth (Dick) Snitily, Anne Hanson, Judy (Bob) Peck, Paula Wissel (John de Graaf), Michael (Lupe) Wissel, Matthew (Benita) Wissel, Rebecca (Bill) Combs. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. at Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel on Friday, October 28, 2016 and a Vigil will follow at 7:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Parish, 510 W. Roosevelt on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. A private internment will follow the ceremony at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell. An online Guestbook is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com
Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's School Building Fund.

Published by Idaho Press Tribune on Oct. 26, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Pennell

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To all the family,
Oh my, we were just asking Emily about her that very week of her passing. She truly was a kind, vibrant and caring woman; also, probably a generation ahead of others. How wonderful that we all benefitted from her forward way of thinking!
Still marvel at her raising 11 children!
She was a dear friend, confidant and neighbor....
With our sympathy,
Nancy and Doug Dammrose,
Ryan, Lindsay and Eric

November 6, 2016

Oh how I selfishly miss Miss Shirley, she was me heroine. I always said when I grow old I want to be Miss Shirley. Shirley has a heart of gold and such a caring spirit. I miss our regular visits. The family can be very proud of this great lady....

Barbara Felty

November 2, 2016

To the Family-my prayers are with you. I said mass for Shirley.

Fr. Alfred Puccinelli,s.m.

October 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you all, the memories you have of your Mom with stay with you forever. I remember years and years ago when I was working at Borah HS, she came in to make the order for class rings, it was so fun to work with her on that she was so sweet and kind and always looked so pretty. I so appreciated the kindness I always received from her. She was a wonderful person. My Sincere Condolences. Judy Hamilton

October 27, 2016

To all the Wissel family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like your mom, grandmother, great-grandmother was a wonderful person. Sending prayers your way.
Darryl and Patricia Day

October 26, 2016

Our condolenses for the loss of your Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother in law, and friend. We admired Shirley greatly and she will always be in our hearts.

Karen and Don Fries

October 26, 2016

Kathy, I remember your mother from her visits to Albuquerque in the 70s. She was always so warm and supportive of me . Her buying a painting from me is a high light for me that I will always remember. She and you had such a special relationship. Your love for each other was so apparent. I loved hearing about her life when I saw you. I am thinking about you and your family. Love, Elizabeth ( Muffy ) Littlefield

Elizabeth Littlefield

October 26, 2016

We are very sorry to hear of Shirley's passing. She was a beautiful person and I know you all will miss her. She will live on in your hearts and memories.
Deepest sympathy,
Bryce and Penny Hergert

Penny Hergert

October 26, 2016

Mike, Matt and families......I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. May her love and memory live on in your hearts forever.

Liz Thiel

October 26, 2016

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Memorial Events
for Shirley Pennell

Oct

28

Visitation

5:00 p.m.

Nampa Funeral Home

415 12th Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83651

Oct

28

Vigil

7:00 p.m.

Nampa Funeral Home

415 12th Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83651

Oct

29

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Paul's Parish

510 W. Roosevelt, Nampa, ID

Funeral services provided by:

Nampa Funeral Home

415 12th Avenue South, Nampa, ID 83651

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