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Penny Dreiling Obituary
DREILING
1942 - 1955 - 2009
Penny Marie Dreiling, born August 15, 1942, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, was made alive in Christ her Lord as a 13 year old girl in Seattle, Washington. Penny spent the rest of her days glorifying God by teaching others of his free gift of salvation by grace through faith in the finished works of Jesus Christ. Penny did this faithfully until May 19, 2009, when she died peacefully at home in Verdi after a five year battle with a rare chronic pain disease known as Dejerine-Roussy Syndrome.
Penny was raised by her Uncle Max and Aunt Ida on her grandparents' homestead in the small community of Veteran on the eastern prairies of Alberta. She was proud of her Canadian heritage and there acquired her love for farm animals, especially horses. She joined her mother and brothers in Seattle at the age of eight. Penny met and later married the love of her life, Chuck, in 1962. Penny graduated from Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science and became a Registered Nurse. She enjoyed a 38 year career in labor and delivery at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
Penny shared her love for the Lord as a tireless giver of herself to all she met; as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a church member and neighbor in Verdi, Nevada, as well as in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. Penny is survived by her husband, Charles Dreiling; daughter, Amy (Dreiling) Callahan (Ray); son, Derek Dreiling (Buffy); her two granddaughters, Reagan and Abby Dreiling and her siblings, Gerald Freeborn Kee of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Norman Roger Kee of Tacoma, Washington and Sandy LaRiviere of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
We know that Penny would invite you to join in a celebration of her life by attending the 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. worship service at Sierra Bible Church, 3195 Everett Drive, Reno, Nevada, on Sunday, June 7, 2009. Penny's celebration of life memorial will be held later that day at 1:30 p.m., with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sierra Bible Church, for the youth ministries. Penny's "Life Verse" from the Bible is found in Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Penny Dreiling
Joe Matthews
June 9, 2009
Derek, I was saddened to learn that your mother had passed. From reading all the entries, I know that she will be missed, and that she was a wonderful person because you are a great person yourself. Know that she is with God now and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robin White
June 7, 2009
Dear Chuck, Derek, Buffy, Reagan and Abby--
The first encounter I had with the wonderful Dreiling was as a first year medical student at UNSOM where you, Chuck, were one of my biochemistry professors. I was anxious and fearful and your calm manner restored hope in me. I met Penny when I became a pediatrician and attended many deliveries at St. Mary's, watching her and listening to her calm the anxiety and fear in her patients with her quiet, gentle voice. She was always patient, compassionate and reassuring, a perfect example of desireable character traits to a new pediatrician. I also have had the privilege of seeing her interactions with family members, especially her precious granddaughters and she is THE example of the kind of grandmother I want to be. I am looking forward to spending eternity with her.
Kevin Conklin
June 6, 2009
Chuck, Derek, Amy, Buffy and Ray (and grandkids). My heart is still broken at the loss this world feels now that Penny is gone from us but face to face with our Lord! My family and I were so honored to have her invest so much into each of us. What a tender heart she had! I know God is there for you but in the mean time I weep with those who weep. I wish I could be there tomorrow but I will be praying for you all and thinking about what a great celebration it will be! Thank you God for Penny!
June 6, 2009
Chuck, your Penny was such a Godly, caring woman! We so enjoyed her humor too! And our hearts ache for you. Know that you are in our prayers. Jack & Joanne Molan
Julie Nelson-Hayward
June 6, 2009
Dear Chuck, Amy, and Derek,
There are no words to explain the sadness and loss I feel. I rejoice that Penny is with her father, but selfishly, I yearn for one more morning of coffee and tea. I'm not sure any of you know the powerful impact you ALL have had in my life. You opened your home and your hearts to a confused and lost teenager and gave me direction. The memories I hold close in my heart for Penny are too numerous to share. She gave me the purest kindness and love I had ever received in my life. Her wisdom and strength in faith and commitment has and continues to guide me through the path of my life. I have never been so thankful and changed by a friendship. I reach out to you with my deepest love and condolence for this loss. I will hold memories of Penny close to my heart forver. I thank you all for sharing her with me. I thank you Penny for your beautiful heart and spirit.
June 5, 2009
Dear Chuck and family,
We just read through seven pages of praises for a wonderful Christian sister. Penny knew who she was - a beloved daughter of our awesome God! And that absolute knowledge gave her a firm foundation and a road map for her time here on earth. She lived her life the way most of us want to live ours, working for the Lord and changing lives. She touched everyone she met with her quiet gentleness, enthusiasm, and love. Frank says she was like an angel - one who made us all want to be better humans. We miss her more than words can say, but we are so thankful she is no longer in pain. Love to you all. Nida and Frank Weaver
Lynn Prince
June 5, 2009
Dear Chuck and family. Penny was such a precious and special sister in Christ to me. Her great love and compassion for her family and those around her were a great inspiration to me. I will greatly miss this adorable lady.
With prayers and love to you all,
Lynn Prince
Terry McGaw
June 4, 2009
Dear Chuck,
I was privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Penny at Saint Mary's. She was one of the most caring, gentle and skilled nurses with whom I ever worked. I will always have fond memories of you and she as the nicest, most generous of people - truly wonderful examples of the best humankind has to offer.
Cathy and I extend our most heartfelt of condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
June 3, 2009
Dear Chuck,
From the first time I met your Penny, I knew she was very special.She was the most charitable person I have ever known. This world will truly miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Lewman, San Carlos
Lenda Azcarate-Ulrich
June 2, 2009
Chuck, Derek and Amy,
How I loved your Penny! Being Verdi moms together was such a blessing for me. Remember the field trips to San Francisco and the outing in the forest off Franktown Road? Penny could make me laugh at the smallest thing -- what a great sense of humor she had. She was one of the first people to contact me when I lost my mom, and she let me know in no uncertain terms that my mom was in a much better place. We know she is now at peace in the loving arms of our Lord, and we also know our Frankie has been waiting for her with open, welcome arms! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What sorrow we feel not having the wonderful Penny here on earth with us!
Love, Lenda and Kim
Judie & Geoffrey McNeill
June 2, 2009
Dearest Chuck and family....Penny's loss is enormous. Our friendship goes back over 50 years. There were five of us, and her loss to us is huge. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you is constant and we know that Penny will be missed by many. She has touched so many hearts. There hasn't been a week in our lives that we haven't heard from her, even through this time when her life had been so full of pain. She showed strength, and continued to love our precious Lord. How wonderful for her now to be Heaven with her Lord and all her previous family and friends that were waiting for her. Even though we will miss her so very much, we are happy that she is in such a wonderful place and will be kept for enternal life. To the family, Penny will be preparing to be with all of you again.
We will miss Penny so much, but all the memories we have will keep her close to us.
Molly Stewart
June 2, 2009
Penny's absence will be long felt...until we go to meet her there! For Chuck and family more than any of the rest of us...we are so sorry for your loss and will pray for The Spirit to fill all the empty spaces that were left when He called Penny home!
Margi Houk
June 2, 2009
Penny touched so many - and it just flowed so naturally from her heart! I was immeasureably blessed to work along side her in L&D @ Saint Mary's from 1988-1996. Her smile, wild laugh & sense of humor, and that constant twinkle in her eye, none can compare. But more so her Faith, her Spirit, her Patience, her surety of Life in Christ sustained me, and continues to this day. If ever there was an Angel walking this earth, Penny was one!
Dan Seim
June 1, 2009
Why is it that we seldom consider what positive effect a person has on our lives until they are gone? When it is too late for us to tell them what they mean to us. I knew Penny for at least 39 of my 41 years. She didn't necessarily have a direct influence on my day to day life as she lived more than 500 miles from us. However, she did directly influence a few people I care about very much.
My mother. Two very similar ladies with nearly parallel lives after 1968. Penny was a huge influence on my mother. I know that my mother loved her dearly.
Derek, my brother from another mother. I know that both our mothers have had a bigger influence on our lives than either of us might care to admit. I loved your mom and I love the influence she had on your life. From her occasional Canadian accent to her great laugh and smile, to the way she always gave of herself for others, to the way she could make you (Derek) mad.
We all have great stories about Penny. All of them make me smile and many of them make me laugh. Amazing woman.
June 1, 2009
Dear Chuck and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Penny´s passing. Our thoughts are with you and the family. She was a good neighbor at Loma Del Mar. She will be greatly missed. Don and Jackie Carpenter
Mary Sprague
June 1, 2009
Dear Chuck and family,
I'm new to San Carlos and the San Carlos
Community Church family, but I wanted to send my condolences to you. Penney is where we long to be.
Sue and Bob Marston
June 1, 2009
Dear Chuck and Family....Penny was like family to us..indeed the Family of God... We loved her dearly, and will alsways remember her. We pray that the words she spoke to many will be kept alive by the Holy Spirit and will continue to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. We will see her again..for all eternity! God bless you all.
David Morrow
June 1, 2009
Dear Chuck and family,
We did'nt know Penny real well but her lasting memory is how kind she was and her radiant being. God gave us some real special.
Our thoughts are with you.
Dave and Ann
Susan Standlee
May 31, 2009
Dear Chuck,
Do you remember the retreat that you, Penny, Tom and I went to at Mt. Herman? It was for empty nesters. You said to Tom, "Does this mean I have to talk to my wife?" That was the beginning of a fun weekend. I remember going into your little cabin that was on a slope. If the door on the opposite side had been open, I would have tumbled down the cliff. That's the weekend I learned that Penny licked her contacts before she put them in her eyes. I told her I would have thought a nurse would think better. She just said to lighten up.
I remember the two of you coming to dinner. Penny and I began chatting. I said that I usually prayed God would put a hedge around my adult kids. She said, "I don't. I pray that God will do what He needs to to draw them close". I never forgot that and that's how I pray for my kids and grandkids. Penny was a wise, crazy lady and I loved her very much.
Much love and prayers to you, Chuck, and your dear children
Suz (that was Penny's special name for me.) and Tom Standlee
Dale and Gloria Lilly
May 31, 2009
Penny enriched our lives and increased our faith ... a precious sister whom we will miss sorely ... but we are certain she rests eternally with her loving Savior...
Peggy Dupey
May 31, 2009
Dear Chuck and all of your family,
My prayers and thoughts are wish each of you, and I send my deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace and comfort, and know that you are in my heart.
Richard & Linda Berger
May 31, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chuck and with your family.
Penny left with many wonderful memories. Memories of her radiant smile and her great concern for others. She was always concerned about others facing challenges too.
Eventhough she was in severe pain she always had a radiant smile.
Penny is going to missed not only by her family but by her friends and "family" here in Mexico.
Jean Kaphan
May 31, 2009
June 3, 2009
Dear Derek,
I did not know your mother but I know she must have been an extraordinary person because I know how wonderful you are from working with you at the D.A.s office. My family lost someone very special this last week as well. A special man, Nile Carson. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed by many. He was a great role model for me, my children and grandchildren and every one who knew him.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God calm you and your family's suffering and please take comfort in the fact that your Mother is in a much better place. It sounds like she already knew that she would be in heaven.
God bless you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Love to you and yours,
Jean Kaphan
Pat Walsh Bob Matthews
May 31, 2009
Penny was a very special lady. She will be missed by all.
Sharon Vasquez
May 31, 2009
To Penny's Family,
My deepest, heartfelt condolences. I met Penny when I delivered my second son at St. Mary's. Later when I was in Nursing School, Penny was one of my instructors. Penny was a very gracious, compassionate person whom I deeply admired and respected. She was a wonderful role model in every aspect of life - mother, wife, nurse and Christian woman. I am so sad to hear of your loss, but know she's in a better place. Amy, Annie sends her condolences, as well.
George/Jackie Stinger
May 30, 2009
dear Chuck
i first met Penny at art class in San Carlos many yrs ago,
what a darling gal, so full of fun and life.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours.
MAUREEN DAVIS
May 30, 2009
CHUCK, DERICK, AMY AND ALL YOUR FAMILIES,
PENNY HAS TOUCHED OUR LIVES IN WAYS THAT WILL BE WITH BOB, MARY AND I FOR SO MANY YEARS TO COME. WE THANK GOD FOR BRINGING SUCH A SPECIAL LADY INTO OUR LIVES!
Christine Charlick
May 30, 2009
Dear Chuck and Family;
Penny was the most loving, gentle, caring and sincere person I have ever met. Her love for Christ and her life of living for Christ best decribes Penny. She will be missed by all who came accross her path. Please accept our condolence and prayers in this time of loss. Knowing that she is with her Savior Christ Jesus is all comforting.
God Bless You, Christine and Dale Charlick
Al and Jan Baclawski
May 30, 2009
Dear Chuck,
May we extend our deepest thoughts of love and respect for your loss of dear Penny. Her love and patience for others was so clear. We extend our sorrows and warm thoughts to you and family in this time of loss. Al and Jan San Carlos Community Church
Robert W Bergdahl
May 29, 2009
Dear Chuck & other Loved Ones:
Beverley & I are sad at the earthly loss of such a wonderful Sister in the Lord.
However, we rejoice that we shall meet again.
Even though we did not know Penny at the time, it is entirely possible that she served as a nurse during the births of two of our granddaughters in 1983 & 1986, for which we are grateful.
Later we served at SBC in different capacities, and we were always welcome at meetings in the Verdi home.
Sincere Blessings to Family & friends.
Robert W Bergdahl
[email protected]
FROM: Trilogy @ Power Ranch, Town of Gilbert, AZ
Sue Johnson
May 29, 2009
We were singing a song at church the night after I read of Penny's passing. It went "better is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house, better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere". It was at that moment I realized that is now Penny's reality. She is being loved even more than ever now that she is in the house of her Lord. She was such an inspiration to anyone who met her. I pray, Chuck, that your memories will be sweet.
Deirdre and John New
May 29, 2009
Chuck and all of your extended family,
May the overwhelming love of the Lord support and bless you as you mourn the passing of dear Penny.
What a rare privilege and joy it has been for us to have shared times of prayer, conversation, study, meals and friendship with you both in San Carlos. The members of the Community Church cherish the contributions you have made, especially Penny’s guidance and leadership for the Women’s Ministry. The memories of Penny’s infectious enthusiasm for Jesus will live long in our minds and hearts.
Those of us who lived as your neighbours in Loma del Mar and who were able to visit your new home really understood the depth of Penny’s love for other people. Her unselfish gift of attention, time and prayers for each of us who needed a touch from the Lord encouraged and strengthened all who knew her.
Be assured that the same compassionate Lord who answered her prayers for others and who has welcomed her into his kingdom, will comfort each of us who will so miss Penny’s presence here on earth.
With our love in the Name of the risen Christ.
Bob & Ruth Raasveld
May 29, 2009
We give you our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife. We feel for the rough times you had to endure at the last. Penny is surely in a better place now and thankfully the terrible pain she had to endure is now gone as she can enjoy eternal life in heaven.
God bless,
Bob & Ruth Raasveld
May 29, 2009
Please accept my condolences for your loss. At Psalm 147:3 we read, "He is healing he brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots." Your family and friends are in my prayers.
Steve and Sheila Pfister
May 29, 2009
Dear Chuck and family,
No one has the matchless spirit that Penny shared with the world. Humble, quiet, sincere, loving, trusting, believing, sharing,thoughtful, humorous. She walked each moment with the Lord on earth, I am now envious that the Lord and she commune in heaven. She believed in me before I did. Her encouragement changed my life and my walk with the Lord. Que Dios Bendiga y Que le vaya bien.
Rick Jensen
May 29, 2009
Dear Chuck and Family:
We Jensen's are absolutely in shock. We have known you for so many years as such good neighbors, although it seems so long since we have seen either you or Penny. It seems like such a short time ago that we bought Gilpatrick's house (1980) and you two were the first welcome us into your home...We had no idea that she had been ill. Just once again makes me realize just how short this old life is and to relish every day that we are given. Please accept our deepest condolence and sympathy. Thank God for memories...
With our Love
Rick & Lori Jensen
Sue Powell
May 29, 2009
Penny provided a place of comfort and peace during a difficult time in my life. I will always remember her with love. Her light will shine on. With deep sympathy, Sue Powell
May 29, 2009
May 29,2009
A sister in Christ whose memory will live on and be cherished always.
Maris Kalmbach
San Carlos, Sonora Mx
Donald mcdonald
May 29, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the Dreiling's for the loss of Penny.What a wonderful lady and wittness for Christ she was.I worked at Wright Paints and sold them lots of paint,etc. Penny will be truly missed but never forgotten..I'm blessed to have known her.......
May 29, 2009
Dear Chuck. We have known you and Penny from San Carlos Community Church. We are sad for the loss of your precious wife but happy that she now rests in the arms of our dear Savior.
Our love and blessings,
Elmer and Gloria Ammons
Sonya and Earl Harris
May 29, 2009
Dear Chuck, We will sorely miss Penny and all her loving work. We are very sorry for your loss.
Don and Anne Mulkey
May 29, 2009
We've only met you a few times, but our daughter Becki is a good friend in San Carlos. We do extend our deepest sympathy and pray God's blessings on you, Chuck, in these next days.
May 29, 2009
So sad. Sorry for your loss.
Milt Hendricks
Portola, CA
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