Mayrene L. Pennington

February 24, 1947 – April 26, 2024

Mayrene L. Pennington, 77, of Rocky Ford, CO unexpectedly passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, in Rocky Ford, CO. She was born February 24, 1947, in Rocky Ford to Lewis & Francis (Watson) Gottbehuet. Mayrene was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Mayrene's family meant everything to her. She was a devoted wife of 58 years to Dean Pennington and a loving mother to her daughters Ginger (Keith) Blasi, Amy (Brad Davidson) Place, and Holli (Kevin) McDougal. Her grandchildren, Alexis and Savannah Blasi, Ashlynn and Braxton Place, and Emersyn McDougal, brought immense joy to her life. Mayrene's grandchildren were her main priority. You would find "Mamo" on the sidelines of their many sporting events cheering them on while wearing their team colors. Some of her most recent adored memories were spending time at the family cabin in the San Juan Mountains. She established a new love for landscape and wildlife photography and enjoyed when family would all gather at the cabin to celebrate the 4th of July and pay tribute to the country she loved.

Following her graduation from Fowler High School in 1965, Mayrene married her high school sweetheart, Dean. She then embarked on a noteworthy career in banking, earning respect at both Minnequa Bank of Pueblo and the First National Bank of Fowler. She later worked as a lab tech at the CSU Extension Center, finding joy in her work. Mayrene eventually chose to focus on raising her daughters and supporting her husband, Dean, on the family farm. For many summers you would find her helping customers at Pennington Produce where she took pride in making it a novel local farm market. Her most recent business partnership was being Dean's co-pilot while traveling to the many farm equipment sales they attended. She and Dean lived most of their lives as proud Arkansas Valley residents other than their memorable times living in Georgia while Dean was stationed there with the US Army.

Mayrene found great joy in coaching her daughter's t-ball teams for five years with a recorded 101 wins and an excruciating 1 loss. Mayrene was an amazing seamstress and loved all things crafty. In the summer you would see her tending to her "extremely" green yard and beautiful flower gardens. She loved her extended family and hosting large family gatherings. She would never turn down a laughter filled night of playing board games with her family and friends. With a recent family vacation to Mexico, she found a new love for snorkeling.

Mayrene was a dedicated member of various churches throughout her life, including the Lutheran Church of Fowler, the First Nazarene Church of La Junta, and most recently, the La Junta Baptist Tabernacle Church.

Mayrene will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her loved ones and her spirited personality. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mayrene is survived by her husband, Dean Pennington of the Rocky Ford home; children, Ginger (Keith) Blasi of Berthoud, CO; Amy (Brad Davidson) Place of Swink, CO; and Holli (Kevin) McDougal of Windsor, CO; grandchildren, Alexis & Savannah Blasi, Ashlynn & Braxton Place, and Emersyn McDougal; brothers, Frank, George and Todd Gottbehuet; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Hopkins, Lois Pennington, Janice Pennington, and Stella Pennington; brother in-law, Harold Morris; numerous nieces & nephews also survive. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis & Francis Gottbehuet; mother & father in-law, Gipson & Mae Pennington; brother, Steve Rogers; brothers in-law, Clifford, Ralph, Donnie, and Marion Pennington; sisters-in-law, Juanita Jones, Doris Mills and Barbara Morris.

Funeral Service to honor and celebrate Mayrene's life will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene 1111 W 10th St, La Junta, CO with Pastor Tim Muth of La Junta Baptist Tabernacle officiating. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. May 6, 2024, at Rocky Ford Cemetery.

In remembrance of Mayrene, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Mayrene Pennington Memorial Fund at any First National Bank location. Contributions will benefit the girls' volleyball, basketball, and track programs at Swink High School, reflecting Mayrene's support for youth and community.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.