Esther LaVelle Penhorwood, age 95, of Mansfield passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Winchester Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born December 10, 1929, in Toledo, Ohio, she was one of twelve children of the late Aezelda (Robnolte) and Jasper E. Dearth.
She graduated from Ada High School with the Class of 1947. Essie was a long-distance telephone operator in Lima, Ohio, when she met her future husband, John Penhorwood. They married on October 11, 1952, and shared nearly 70 years together before John’s passing. She was a member of the women’s basketball team at the phone company and John was the coach. Many lively conversations came about from this situation. Essie was a faithful Christ follower who served on several church boards, taught Sunday school and helped with many rummage sales and funeral dinners sponsored by the church.
She is survived by three daughters, Cindy Penhorwood of Xenia, Michelle (David) Mueller of Mansfield and Penny (Larry) Cook of Springfield; a son, Scott (Deb) Penhorwood of Bellville; three grandchildren, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy (Jessica) Cook, US Navy San Diego, CA, Kyle (Helen) Penhorwood of Mansfield, and Bethany (Jason) Boomsma of Mount Horeb, WI; five great-grandchildren, Alec Boomsma, Declan Boomsma, Theo Cook, Ben Cook, and Zy Petite; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, on September 4, 2022; six brothers, Russell, Jerry, Tom, Justin, Don and John Dearth; and five sisters, Kathleen, Dorothy, Ilene, Janet and LaDonna.
Friends and family may visit from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Avenue Church, 1756 Park Avenue West, Mansfield. The funeral service conducted by Rev. Nate Hultz will be held at the church on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. with additional visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Essie will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Avenue Church.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
