Beloved wife of Eric Wheaton and married for over 60 years. Devoted mother to two children, daughter Katherine Wheaton Smith (married to Michael Smith), of Mooresville, NC and son David Edward Wheaton, of North Bend, Washington.
Born in Pacific Grove, California in 1943 Penny grew up near the coast of the Monterey Peninsula with her older brother and two younger sisters. She met Eric at a Job’s Daughters social event in Monterey where they both became instantly smitten. Eric served as an officer, navigator and pilot in the United States Air Force for over 27 of their years together. They never lacked in adventures as they were stationed in Texas, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Illinois, Alaska, Pennsylvania, Virginia and finally back home to California.
Penny had a unique way of making every new assignment feel like home to her family and friends. Her artistic talents wrapped with a love for warm and inviting interiors, gardens and events always created inspired spaces we enjoyed coming home to. She embraced a spirit of genuine delight in celebrating life’s events great and small and set the stage for us to relish in the goodness of life. Penny adored children and was a wonderful doting grandmother to Kate and Michael’s two sons, Parker (17) and Cole (13).
Penny is survived by her husband Eric, her children Kate and David, her grandchildren Parker and Cole, Michael’s adult children Kenzie Smith Winslow and Jon Michael Smith, her cherished sisters Carolyn Mohnsen (married to Bonnie Mohnsen) and Marilyn “Rustie” Dunlap as well as many extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.
Penny’s ashes will be taken home to California where a private event will be held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Iredell County or to Alzheimer’s Association.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve Mrs. Wheaton and her family.
