Wanda Petersen Pennington

Renetta Wanda Petersen Pennington passed away, at her home in Linden, on February 14, 2022. She was born December 3, 1932 in Poteau, Oklahoma to Arthur and Myrtle Daniel.

Wanda spent most of her early childhood in Oklahoma, but the family moved around to follow work, eventually ending up in Show Low.

In the summer of 1949 Wanda met “Pete” at a dance. He offered her a ride home but said they needed to hurry because he was there with another girl. She worked as a waitress at the Horseshoe Cafe. He would always tip her in pennies. When asked if it was love at first sight she said “No, I thought he was the craziest guy I had ever met.”  She married Pete on December 4, 1949 in Show Low, AZ, even though she was only 16.  They told the Justice of the Peace, Mr. Woolford, that she was 17. In 1955 they started their business, “Pete’s Blade and Backhoe Service”, and Wanda did the bookkeeping.

In the 1980’s she got her GED and took several classes at the local college to improve her skills.  Wanda always kept busy as a homemaker and also worked for Al and Irene Whiteman at the Exxon, B & R Lumber, Sears and Oliver Pilcher Insurance.  She also enjoyed quilting, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Wanda was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and was a Christian example to all.  She loved to share the gospel and extended hospitality to many people over the years.

Wanda is survived by her loving daughters, Deleth (Kay) Perkins, Beverly (Jeff) Balk, Holly (Marion) Hatch, 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vego “Pete” Petersen, of 59 years in 2009, and her husband Michael Pennington, of 4 years in 2022.

Wanda was also preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Myrtle Daniel and 6 siblings - Lloyd Daniel, Arah Russ, Winifred Reidhead, Jewel Marta, Orene Hitchcock and Lorene Daniel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 19^th at 11:00 AM at the High Country Church of Christ, 3201 E. Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, Arizona.  A viewing will be 10:00 – 10:45 AM prior to the services.