Christel Waltraut Penton

Christel Waltraut (Doerfler) Penton,74, of Grand Prairie, passed away on May 21, 2012, after a year long battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 49 yrs, Leonard W (Billy) Penton, her four children Roland, Thekla, Lorena, and Denver, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Chris Penton was born on January 19, 1938, in Hamburg, Germany. Growing up in the midst of conflict and chaos, there were many struggles and painful moments, but she endured and eventually thrived. After the war, she studied dance and music, and got her education in hotel and restaurant management, including culinary school. Her artistic nature and ability was readily apparent in almost every aspect of her life.

She met her husband Billy in 1961, while he was serving in Germany as an enlistee in the Air Force. They quickly fell in love, married, and shortly thereafter moved to the United States, building a life full of family and friends. She was primarily a homemaker after that, which she was quite proud of. As the children grew up and she had more time to devote to it, she took up painting, especially china and oil, getting quite proficient, and eventually taught painting classes as well.

She loved cooking, entertaining, gardening, exploring the country and seeing all sorts of flora and fauna; there was always a sense of joy and reverence about her when viewing all the fabulous wonders of Mother Nature. There was always a camera nearby to record all the memories she experienced with her immediate as well as extended family.

One thing we can really say is she stood proud and never let on that she was hurting as badly as she was; she was a fighter. Even though the effects of battling cancer took her life, she never gave up, determined to beat it, so typical of her strength and will.

Granny was dearly loved and respected by all for the strength and devotion she had for her family, she lived for them all the way to the end, and her spirit will always continue with us.

GRAND PRAIRIE -- Christel Valtraut Doerfler Penton, 74, of Grand Prairie passed away Monday, May 21, 2012.

Service: 1 p.m. Saturday at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home on Dalworth. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.