Penny Spillman

Penny Ann Spillman— beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend—was called home to her Heavenly Father on May 28 in Cottonwood, Arizona, at the age of 81.

Born on New Year’s Eve 1943 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Penny spent her earliest years criss-crossing the Southwest with her close-knit family before settling in Arizona as a young child. After attending high school in Chula Vista, California, she returned to the Verde Valley for her senior year and graduated from Mingus Union High School in Jerome. The red rocks, and small-town warmth of Cottonwood became her lifelong home.

Penny’s life was defined by boundless love and unshakeable advocacy. When her youngest daughter, Rebecca, was born with Down Syndrome in 1970, Penny discovered there were no local programs for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rather than accept the status quo, she rallied a handful of parents, researched how to build services from the ground up, and in 1974 helped establish Y.E.S. The Arc. Under Penny’s steadfast leadership the organization grew into a cornerstone of support and advocacy, empowering countless individuals and families throughout northern Arizona. Today, Y.E.S. The Arc stands as a lasting testament to her vision, compassion, and tireless determination.

Penny was preceded in death by her son, Robert Young. She is survived by her husband Anthony Spillman, her children Raymond Young, Andrew Young, Lidora Daymude, and Rebecca Young; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, each of whom will carry forward her generous spirit. She will also be deeply missed by her sisters, steadfast group of friends, and community members whose lives she touched through her unwavering commitment to inclusion and dignity for all.

A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1377 E. Hombre Dr., Cottonwood, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Cottonwood Cemetery, after which all are welcome to return to the church for a luncheon at 1:00 p.m. Friends are invited to honor Penny in any way meaningful to them; those who wish may make contributions to Y.E.S. The Arc (yesthearc.org or PO Box 1061, Cottonwood, AZ 86326) so that her mission of inclusion continues to flourish.