Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Penny Kaye Villarreal at the comfort of her home on Wednesday, Feb. 11th, 2026, at the age of 79. She will be remembered as a friendly and loving person. The surviving spouse is Rick Villarreal, and children Penny Perez (spouse Eddie Perez), P.J. McKinney (spouse Melissa McKinney), 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister Phyllis Schuette (spouse John Schuette), and numerous cousins.
She was born in Austin, Texas on Oct. 23rd, 1946, to her parents Jim and Junette Gowen. She attended Casis Elementary, O’Henry Middle School, Travis High School and graduated in 1965. She was active as a Cheerleader where the school participated in Football State playoff games.
She attended the University of Texas during her tenure working as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Austin. Later she worked as an Elementary School substitute teacher in Gainesville ISD. Upon returning to Austin, she worked for her husband’s State Farm Insurance agency as his office manager for nearly 40 years. She was selfless and always put others before herself. In doing so, she built many wonderful relationships with associates and customers, many of whom asked about her wellbeing during her long illness where she expressed great joy and happiness.
She was a wonderful loving wife and my best friend. She supported her husband during their struggling times that helped lead to their successful business. Her husband will miss her deeply.
Penny was a Christian baptized at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Richland community. She was avid football fan and loved her Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. Our family has relief knowing that she is now in the comfort of God where she has joy in seeing her parents, and many family members pain free.
