Penelope An Doolittle

Born September 3, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Pennie was the only child of Barney Harold Hartley and Vivian “Lucille” Sluss. Her family moved to Sunnyslope in the mid-1940s, where she spent much of her childhood and teenage years.

Faith was the foundation of Pennie’s life. Her relationship with the Lord as her personal Savior guided the way she lived, loved, served, and cared for others, creating a lasting legacy. She was actively involved in her church, faithfully serving wherever she was needed and leading women’s Bible studies.

She was also a true prayer warrior, regularly praying for her family, friends, and anyone who needed prayer.

On May 27, 1955, Pennie married Jerry Doolittle. Together they built a Christ-centered home in Phoenix, where they raised their two children: their son, Stephen Edwin Doolittle, born in April 1956,

and their daughter, Karen An Lewis, born two years later. Later in life, Pennie and Jerry moved to a new home in Surprise, Arizona.

While she loved being a stay-at-home mom when her children were young, she also enjoyed working outside the home throughout her life. She worked as a salesperson at Diamonds Park Central, sold

mobile homes, and pursued several other work ventures over the years. Whatever she did, she always put her whole heart into it.

Some of their fondest family memories were made during summers spent in Idaho, where Pennie and Jerry, along with their children, enjoyed time together. They also traveled extensively throughout the Northwest, enjoying the beauty of the region together.

Those who knew Pennie will remember her bubbly, outgoing personality, her warm heart, her love for animals, and her kindness to others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She had a special way of making people feel loved and welcomed.

Creativity was another part of Pennie’s life. She enjoyed many hobbies, including macramé, embroidery, fabric painting, and decorating her home. She had an eye for making things beautiful and took pride in creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. She also loved journaling and spent countless hours researching the genealogy and family histories of both her and Jerry’s families, going back many generations.

Pennie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry, in 2019; her mother, Lucille, in 1951, when Pennie was only 16 years old; her father, Barney, in 1974; and her son, Stephen, in 2009.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen An Lewis; her grandchildren, Robert Lewis, Candice Verville (Mike), and Cassandra Doolittle; and her great-grandchildren, Dolci, Dexton, and Deacon Verville, and

Taylor, Hunter, and Archer Hutson.

Though her family mourns her earthly absence, they find comfort in knowing that Pennie is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Her earthly journey is complete. She is home.

Celebration of Life Open House

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Karen’s home on Sunday, October 4, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to Karen at (623) 341-3976