Viva Jean Pennel

Viva Jean (Russell) Pennel gained her heavenly wings on May 19, 2025, at the age of 87. Viva was born to Curtis and Flossie Russell on February 12, 1938, in Beggs, OK.  Viva graduated high school from South East High School in Okla. City, where she met the love of her life, Bill Pennel, and they were married on April 6, 1954.

After starting their family in Oklahoma City, they moved to Casseville, MO. for a few years where Viva worked on the family's dairy farm. Viva and the family moved to Prague, OK., where they have been long-time residents. Viva worked for many years at the First National Bank, (now BancFirst) where she made lifelong friends. Upon leaving the bank Viva began working with Bill in their carpentry business. Like everything she did, she also excelled at this endeavor. Viva was gifted, creative and talented in all she tried. Viva was also known as a "cake" lady that for many people she had made beautiful birthday, shower and wedding cakes. She loved to knit, crochet, embroidery, and loved to teach these things to anyone that wanted to learn, but especially her grandchildren. She was also a great seamstress, sewing many dresses and costumes for her family. She was awarded the coveted Golden Thimble award from the Daily Oklahoman for her sewing skills. There weren't many things that Viva couldn't do if she set her mind to it.

Viva loved sports, particularly if she had children or grandchildren playing. She was always their loudest cheerleader and supporter. She traveled all over the state to watch her family play any and every game. Her favorite sport was softball, which she played into her 40's and helped Bill coach many summer league games. The favorite pastime of Bill and Viva’s was watching the OKC hockey teams play.

Viva was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 63 years, Bill Pennel, son Michael Pennel, Brother, Glenn Russell.

Those family members left to miss her creative talents are: son: Mark Pennel and his wife Becky, daughter: Lori Blackwell and husband Tommy. Eight Grandchildren, eighteen Great Grandchildren and four Great Great-Grandchildren. She will be grieved by her three sisters, one brother and two sisters-in-law, along with many other family members and friends.