Dorothy Pennel

Dorothy Irene Pennel was born Dec. 24, 1934, in Dewey, Custer County, S.D.
Dorothy was the daughter of Leslie Monroe Parsons and Verna Irene (Stanton) Parsons. She grew up in a large and close-knit family that shaped her enduring values of hard work and devotion to loved ones.
Dorothy married Charles Edward Pennel, with whom she shared many years of partnership and family life before his passing.
Dorothy passed away peacefully May 2, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colo. She was 90.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Pennel; her parents, Leslie and Verna Parsons; brothers, Arthur, Everett, Donald, James and Norman Parsons; sisters, Carol Lulf and Donna Parsons; grandsons, Josh and John Lamb; great-granddaughter Isabella Pennel; and daughter-in-law Connie Pennel.
Dorothy is survived by her four children, daughters Margaret Gant and husband Mark, Susan Lamb and husband Don, and sons Thomas Pennel and special friend Martha Terry and Gerald Pennel and wife Anita. Her legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and four-and-a-half great great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews who were touched by her warmth and presence.
She is also remembered fondly by her sisters Ethel Osmotherly, Sandra Osmotherly, sisters-in-law Shirley Parsons, Janice Parsons, Linda Parsons, Virginia Pennel, Lois Halley and Letah Sauer.
Dorothy was a woman of remarkable energy and creativity. She had a deep love for gardening and kept her home filled with thriving houseplants, a testament to her nurturing spirit. She found joy in crafts of all kinds, from sewing to handmade decorations. Jigsaw puzzles challenged her mind, while card games and word games brought laughter to gatherings with friends and family.
Cooking was another way Dorothy expressed her love, family get-togethers were often centered around meals she prepared with care. These moments became cherished traditions that brought generations together under one roof.
Dorothy’s life was rich with simple joys and the enduring love of family. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
Contributions can be made to the Custer County Library.
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.