Marilyn Maxine Penry

Marilyn (Mary) Penry, went to the Lord on October 7, 2007 at St. Peters Hospital following a brief and unexpected bout with cancer. Mary was born on October 22, 1929 in Lewiston, Montana to Ray and Gwendolyn Hall. The Hall family moved from Montana to Shelton and then to Olympia when Mary was a child, and settled Prairie on a farm in the valley on Carpenter Road. She attended Lacey Grade School, and graduated from Olympia High School in 1949. During high school, she met her best friend's brother, Doyle H. Penry, who she married after graduation in July of 1949. Mary worked briefly for the state in the insurance building. Between 1950 and 1955, Mary and Doyle settled in South Bay and built their first home together, and welcomed their first child, Allan, born in 1955. In 1961, their daughter, Paula was born, and they began building their second home on the same property. During those years, Mary also joined the Olympia First Baptist Church. Mary was devoted to her family, raising her children, being a den mother, Parent Teacher Association president, playground teacher, and school volunteer. She was also actively involved with her church family, Camp Bethel, Women's Circle, and volunteered for everything. When the children were older, she drove the school bus for a while, and worked as a school secretary. She was also active in the VFW Post 318 and American Legion Post 94, the 49er's Alumni Club from Olympia High School and the Olympia Brewery family where Doyle worked. After Doyle retired in 1986, Mary and Doyle traveled in a motor home around the United States. Mary was a quiet and loving woman, who always worked behind the scenes. She loved her family, doing crafts, spending time volunteering and visiting with friends. Doyle preceded Mary in death by six weeks. Mary is survived by her son, Allan, and grandson, Blake; and daughter, Paula and granddaughter, Callie, all of Olympia. She is also survived by brothers, Charles (Linda) and William (Jeanie); and numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved pet dog, Molly. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at the Forest Funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. A second visitation will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Funeral Home, with Pastor Sam Hochstedder officiating.