Pennie L. Scott

Pennie was born on January 18, 1948 to Harry R. (Bud) Scott and Betty J. (Sanders) Tessman at the Miner’s Hospital in Ouray. Pennie was raised in Ouray, CO and graduated from Montrose High School in 1966. She married David M. Kuklish in 1967 and they raised four children Laura, Karrie, Kevin and Lindsay.

Pennie was a devoted mother, homemaker and helped run the family Plumbing Business. In 1986, Pennie started working at Palisade High School and eventually took on the position of the Registrar. It was at PHS where Pennie’s personality thrived. Over the next 11 years, she became “mom” to thousands of students who will never forget her laugh that would resonate throughout the halls of the school. She was always the first to lend a hug, an ear, or a good piece of advice to any of her “kids” that came through the school. Many students have said they would have never made it through school without her love and support. She was always the one to volunteer to help at games or sponsor events or school trips. All four of Pennie’s kids graduated from Palisade and she was a Bulldog through and through.

Speaking of children, Pennie’s kids always came first and lit up her life. Whether it was Bible school, Brownie’s, Cub Scouts, dance classes, t-ball, soccer, 4-H, football, softball, student council, cheerleading or FHA she was the never-ending taxi driver and best mom in supporting her kids and usually the loudest cheerleader in the stands. This support continued on to all of her grandchildren and she was so proud of everything they did and was always cheering them on whether in person or through Facebook!

Pennie was passionate about many things in life Including her faith and love of her country. In fact, the last signature she signed was authorizing her ballot in the election. Ouray always held her heart and she was proud to have been the Sherriff’s daughter and often recounted stories from her childhood.

She graduated with a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, from Loyola University in New Orleans, in May of 1990. Pennie also graduated from Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy in 1998 as a certified massage therapist. Using the talent of loving and connecting with others that she has, Pennie touched many lives through her practice. She practiced, with her brother Ross, as a massage therapist in Mt. Vernon, WA until she retired in 2012.

During her retirement, Pennie spent her time in Grand Junction, CO surrounded by her children and grandchildren. If there was a legacy that Pennie left behind it would be the family she raised, the laugh that lightened so many days, the constant smile on her face and the best hugs ever.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived in death by her former husband David M. Kuklish (Barb), Laura Kuklish-Triest and her husband Jeff and their boys, Connor, Garret and Nicholas. Karrie Kuklish and her daughter Emily. Kevin Kuklish and his daughter Lyla. Lindsay Kuklish and her daughters LiLu and Sam. Her brother Ross Scott (Valentina) and her sister Pru Scott-Rinne (Pat), countless cousins, nieces and nephews, hundreds of friends and all of her PHS graduates.

Due to current restrictions, a private Vigil will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. A private funeral will be held on Friday, November 13 at 2:00 pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

There will be an Open House Reception on Saturday, November 14 from 12- 4 pm at the home of Jeff and Laura Triest.

For all of those family and friends who cannot attend, her service will be live streamed on the Church's Facebook page at "Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church". Live streaming will begin approximately five minutes before service starts.