Penny Jean Thompson

Penny Jean Thompson, 75, of Frankfort, KY, passed away March 2, 2026. Born December 7, 1950, in Boscobel, WI, she was the middle child, 5th of 11, to Jay and Marie Patten. Affectionately called "Miss Penny," she read books at pre-schools and daycares for the Paul Sawyier Public Library before retirement. She loved being a "Grammy," Mom, Wife, and Sister.

Penny graduated from Boscobel High School in 1969 and obtained a BS degree in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1973.

Penny and Al Thompson married on August 4, 1973, at the Congregational Church in Boscobel, and they were blessed with 52 years of marriage, living and raising their children in Newburgh, IN, Carterville, IL, Tazewell, VA, and finally, Frankfort, KY.

Penny loved her 3 children: Jeanne Thompson of Frankfort, Melissa (Wayne) Penix, of Frankfort, and Christopher (Stacy) Thompson of Sevierville, TN. Grammy loved her 4 grandchildren: Lincoln Harrod (son of Mike Harrod, Jr.), Halle Penix, and Lily and Clara Thompson; and Grammy loved her bonus 3 grandchildren, Nolan, Ivan, and Abby Penix.

Survivors include her husband, children, grandchildren, and 9 siblings: brothers, Bill, Jim, Albert, and John Patten, and sisters, Pat Zinck, Vicki Theobald, Alice Patten, Peggy Smith, and Jayne Udelhoven. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ruth Brown, and beloved aunt, Erika Brechler.

A memorial service will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Todd Lester officiating. Visitation will be at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.