Jessie Theresa Penner

Jessie Hiebert Penner October 8, 1920 - August 25, 2011 Jessie Hiebert Penner was born to Rev. P N Hiebert and Helen Kunkle on October 8, 1920 in Hillsboro, Kansas. The family then lived in Inman, Kansas where her father taught school at Zoar Academy. A few years later they moved to Freeman, South Dakota where her father joined the faculty of Freeman Junior College. The Great Depression was spreading and the mid Western dust storms were blowing. Her father received an invitation to be the Pastor of the Bakersfield Mennonite Brethren Church. The family moved to Bakersfield in 1933, and set their roots deeply here. She attended grade schools in Freeman, the Bakersfield school and graduated from Kern County High School. Her College education was continued at Tabor College in Hillsboro Kansas where she furthered her art interest under Professor A.R. Ebel. In July of 1945 she married Herbert A. Penner, the beginning of over 66 years. In 1956 they adopted a 3 month old boy, named him Loel James who soon became the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams. She was supportive in all of the families growth. Her husbands professional education and training in his chiropractic profession for about 35 years till retirement. She is survived by her husband of over 66 years, son Loel and his wife Phyllis and grandson Derek; sisters, Carol and husband John Wiebe of Trinidad CA.; brothers, Talmage MD and wife Laura of Michigan; brother Lowell Hiebert and wife Ida Mae of Selma, CA.; and Ray, PHD and wife Sheila of Maryland and many children of theirs. Her grief for the tragic loss of grandson Ryan Penner has also found peace. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the homecoming of his children. Memorials to Heritage Bible Church and Fresno Pacific University. Visitation with family will be held Saturday, September 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm at Hillcrest Mortuary with the memorial service on Sunday, September 4th, 3:00pm at Heritage Bible Church, 2323 Mt. Vernon Avenue.