Wilma Penniston

Daughter of Jerrold and Ruby Gordon

Born August 2, 1942 in Independence, Missouri at her home. Wilma attended Spring Branch Elementary School where she was known for her excellent baseball score keeper abilities. She attended Palmer Junior High and William Chrisman High School where she was a member of Shakespearean Literary Society. She completed her GED as a young Mom of three children. Wilma met the love of her life, Russell Penniston, at Lake Doniphan during a church reunion when they were in Jr. High School . They were married on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959. Wilma sang in three choirs and sang a solo on Easter morning before her wedding. Russell worked with his father, George W Penniston at Penniston’s Ditching Co, Inc / Penniston’s Construction Co, Inc.

Russell and Wilma were eager to start a family and soon welcomed three daughters: Lana Penniston-Cashmark (Daryn), Donna Penniston-Petentler (Charles), and Linda Penniston-Linscott (Todd). Wilma and Russell have eight grandchildren, Matthew Petentler (Katherine), Deveri Harvey (Eric), Jacqueline Thompson, Elizabeth Linscott, Natasha Moore (Chris), Michael Petentler (Sumiko), Evan Linscott (deceased), and Elliott Linscott. Seven great-grandchildren, Meadow Harvey, Lila Harvey, Madelyn Thompson, Ariel Petentler, Mason Thompson, Liam Thompson, Sylas Pence and Juliet Petentler. She is also survived by her sister, Jan Gordon-Albrecht (Larry) and brother, Larry Gordon (Amelia).

Wilma was an Oriole leader at the RLDS Church. Wilma was a bank teller for the Bank of Independence. She was an award winning Kitchen Craft cookware sales representative and she also was a sales representative for Fairmont Dairy. Wilma taught Synchronized Swimming at the Raytown YWCA for twelve years. As a Homemaker, Wilma Joy brought Joy to the world with her pies that she so expertly baked. Wilma made many large Macrame Wall hangings as well as the ceramic beads she artistically wove into each macrame creation. She was very industrious sewing clothing, making crafts and making quilts. Wilma was very good at working large jigsaw puzzles and she loved to read. The Gordon family spent much time singing together, especially hymns around the piano and vacationing at the Elk River. Wilma shared her joy of nature and singing with her family. Wilma loved working in the garden growing vegetables and flowers. She made her famous chili sauce and sweet pickles; she canned tomatoes and green beans. She loved her flower gardens with the beautiful blooms, hummingbirds, and especially butterflies. She loved movies and cookbooks and shared them with her children and grandchildren. Wilma loved a large variety of music.

She fought hard against her disease, Multiple Sclerosis for 53 years and surrendered to this disease at the age of 75 She spent her last days surrounded by family and loved ones on December 16, 2017 at Saint Luke's East Hospital.

Wilma was preceded in death by Jerrold M Gordon and Ruby J Barham-Gordon, her brother Richard L Gordon, and her grandson S. Evan Linscott.