Penelope Lynn Ritchie McCaleb

Penelope Lynn McCaleb passed away peacefully, at her home in Marietta, Georgia, after a long illness surrounded by her Priest and a group of her closest friends on June 10, 2025.

She was born in San Diego, California, in the autumn of 1943 to Robert D. Ritchie and Ruth Elizabeth W. Ritchie. Her father was serving in the Army at the time of her birth, and he was notified by telegram of his new baby girl. In her youth, Penny was proficient at piano, wooden stilts, and pogo sticks (talents of which many of her cousins were unaware). She learned early how to type and to use shorthand, skills valuable to her in later places of employment. Penny also taught herself to be a very proficient knitter, making afghans and baby blankets on request, as well as sweaters designed with intricate Nordic "ski sweater" colors and patterns. Penny loved jigsaw puzzles, flowers, and cheese as well....and always beer to go with the cheese. In 1961, Penny was selected as the Lambda Chi Alpha Pledge Sweetheart during her freshman year at Florida Southern. She also joined Alpha Chi Omega Sorority that same year.

From 1965 to 1973, Penny worked in clerical and administrative positions in Greenville, South Carolina. In 1973, Penny moved from Greenville to Atlanta, Georgia, describing that move as "a single girl in a big city"! She joined the Peach State Porsche Club the same year. In 1979, during her employment in Atlanta with Bekaert Steel Wire Corporation, Penny met and eventually married David C. McCaleb on August 11, 1979. David was a Crimson Tide booster, and Penny accompanied David to many University of Alabama football games. In 1988, Penny was a teacher at the Episcopal Church's morning daycare program, and by 1991, she was the program's Director. Childless herself, Penny loved the little ones as though they were her own, and she often spoke of them later in her life, long after her church daycare days had ended. For many years, Penny and David vacationed every autumn at Sanibel Island, Florida. Penny spent time there involved in her favorite pastimes-reading, collecting sea shells, fishing, and teasing David about catching more fish than he did!

Penny was preceded in death by her father who died in1982, and by her mother who died in 2001, and by her husband David who died in January 2020. She is survived by numerous cousins, good friends, and kind neighbors.

The family wishes to thank especially the caregivers who stayed with Penny, looked after her needs, and ensured she was never lonely in her last days. Penny's Family members are grateful to all of you for your dedication to our cousin, who was one of our own bright sparks of light and life.

Graveside services will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328, at 2:00 P.M. June 26, 2025