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Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 12-1 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Jane Penelope “Penny” Denson, 71, of Flora, IL passed away Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 2:24 p.m. at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.
Penny was born August 13, 1942 in Springfield, the daughter of John O. and Gertrude L. (McLean) Denson. She was co-founder and co-owner of The Hometown Journal in Flora working along with Linda Manring and Bill Oliver. Prior to that, she was with the Flora Daily News-Record which was owned and operated by her father.
Penny was educated in the Minonk-Dana-Rutland schools, attended the University of Illinois, and was a graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute Class of 1968. She was a member of the Friends of the Flora Public Library, served on the Chamber of Commerce, was a supporter of the Clay County Cancer Crusaders and the American Cancer Society, and assisted with several of the “Depot Show” performances.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law: Edwin M. Denson Sr. and wife Sharon of Chicago; a brother-in-law: Theodore M. Lach Jr. of Downers Grove; a sister-in-law: Cheryl Denson of The Villages, FL; and nieces and nephews: Edwin M. Denson Jr. and wife Sharon and their son Lawrence Denson, Samantha Jane Denson, Jennifer T. Lach, Theodore M. Lach III and wife Arla and their daughter Lily, Erica Gillian (Lach) Beall and husband Kris and their children Emily and Carson, and Elizabeth Louise Lach. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother: John Wayne Denson, and a sister: Gillian Frances (Denson) Lach.
A Celebration of Life to honor Penny Denson will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home with visitation from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. Memorial donations in Penny’s name are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Not only was she an asset to the community, but was loved and respected by all and will be missed. So sorry for the loss for you and all of us.
What a blessing you were. Thanks for your support of my first-ever writing endeavor. You will be missed, my Friend.
Sympathy is extended to the family , friends , and colleagues. Sorry for your loss.
Dear, dear, Penny, I knew this day was coming, and soon; but nothing prepares one for the fact when it becomes known. My sincere condolence to your surviving family. I can, however take solace in the fact that I know two people in Heaven who have already welcomed you for coffee and pie at The Ranch: your mother, Trudy, and my mother, Esther. May your daily get-togethers role on with laughter and wisdom...forever! Medley Gatewood
Penny, You will be missed!!
I met Penny over 50 years ago at Scout Haven in Charley Brown Park. My Girl Scout troop was staying in the cabins for a few days. Penny wasn't my leader but she was there and provided entertainment, acted as an activity director and just helped with everything :) About 15 years ago I mentioned to her that I remembered a particular skit she had put on and recited some of her lines. She had a good laugh over that. She made such an impression on me. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Penny will never forget her! You, her family, are in my thoughts and prayers as you say goodbye to this lovely woman. May God bless you all and Godspeed Penny.
FAREWELL DEAR ONE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY THIS "WORDSMITH". YOU HAVE DONE SO VERY MUCH FOR SO VERY MANY, ESPECIALLY THE RAILROAD DEPOT PEOPLE, AND THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR. FLORA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT THE DENSON FAMILY. YOU WERE SO BRAVE IN THE BATTLE OF LIFE. ALL IS WELL..............SAFELY REST..............GOD IS NIGH
Penny, I will miss Mondays with you, we always had a lot to talk about and you always had a smile
So sad to hear of Penny's passing, yet relieved she will no longer have to suffer. Penny taught me (as well as many others) the value of mentoring, as she shared her life experiences with such passion and zest.
It helps if you knew John O. Denson. Penny's father was as brilliant and witty as any man. And, Penny was a reincarnation of John O. Denson. This lady was well read. You must be ready and able to defend your position on almost any subject because Penny could handle a conversation on most of life's fundamental issues. Celebrate a life. Penny Denson was a wonderful person and I/we will miss her.
We have known Penny for a few short years. In that time we had a respect for each other. You will be missed dear Lady.
My heart just broke and I have tears in my eyes. Although I really didn't know Penny that well she was my biggest fan. I am at a loss for words. There is so much I wanted to talk to Penny about, and I was looking forward to her helping me edit a book. Rest in Peace Penny. If I ever publish a book on photography I will dedicate it to you.
So sorry to learn of Penny's passing. She was truly a unique individual with a brilliant mind and will be missed by all who knew her.
Goodbye to a wonderful friend
So sad to loose someone that was such a part of my life. I fondly remember your birthday "parade", meeting Sandy Allen, decorating floats for the Halloween parade, breakfast at the Gallery, evenings with you while you edited my research papers (still could use you for that ; ) and even rushing your visits with my mom by honking the car horn in the driveway (sorry about that). Each Christmas I looked forward to the Hallmark ornament that you picked out especially for me ...even into adulthood. You will be fondly missed and thought of often.
Penny, bless your heart. You were such a good friend to me, through years when I really needed good friends the most. You were always cheerful and wise, and we had such good conversations about politics and books and history. The world is a poorer place without you in it. I remember the funny story of your christening, and how the pastor got your name wrong -- "Penna-Lope Jane" instead of Jane Penelope. I trust the mistake won't have confused St. Peter when he met you at the gate, and I look forward to many bright years in the hereafter with you, talking about all the things we never got time to talk about here below. Matt, be careful. Love, Levi
I am sorry to hear of Penny's death. Gertrude, Margaret, and I were childhood friends in Decatur. I spent many happy years with the McLeans. Margaret was my lifelong best friend. I am so sorry for your loss. Katherine Kazmark Rogne 5477 County Road 1 Kindred, ND 58051
Penny Denson was truly a remarkable lady. She was very knowledge-able, serious minded and always had time for a smile. Penny's traits were inherited from her wonderful parents, John O. and Gertrude Denson. I feel very fortunate to have known and worked with the Denson family at the "Flora Daily News-Record", which they owned and operated. I have alot of good memories of Penny and the Denson family. Penny and her family were an asset to Flora. I am praying that God will give strength to the family. Dolores Bratton, Broken Arrow, OK
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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Flora, Illinois 62839
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