Laura Annice Penton

Laura Annice Garten Penton Williams passed on April 4, 2026 in Green Valley, Arizona. She was preceded in death by husband, Ray Penton; son Michael Penton; daughter Roma Penton; and brother Robert Garten. Laura is survived by her husband, Dudley Williams; one granddaughter, Shelby Bell (Ben), Minneapolis, MN; two great-grandchildren, Evie and Finn Bell; daughter-in-law, Laurie Gath Penton Burgardt; son-in-law, James Hedrick; brother, Bill Garten; nieces and nephews; and the wonderful extended Williams family.

Laura was born in Clarinda, Iowa on September 8,1937 to Romaine and Marie Garten. The family moved back to Missouri in a few months where Laura Annice resided until she was out of school. She met Ray Penton in Bevier, MO and they remained sweethearts when the Garten’s relocated to Russellville, where she graduated high school.

She married Ray Ordell Penton, the love of her life, on February 26, 1956 in Jefferson City, MO. For a few years they bounced between Ruth, Nevada, Missouri, and in Ely, Nevada until April, 1959 when they settled in Missouri. Liberty Missouri was their home for over 35 years.

They were blessed with two children and enjoyed good times with them while being busy with camping, sports, church activities and life in Liberty, MO.

Ray worked for TWA at the Kansas City Overhaul base at the airport and Laura worked at a few places, mostly part time, so that she could be at home for the children. When the children graduated from high school and started to college, Laura worked at Liberty Hospital for 18 years.

After retirement, Ray and Laura decided to travel and see the United States! They sold the house, bought an RV and traveled and enjoyed this beautiful country for the next six years. Ray was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and they bought a house in Tucson, AZ. Ray continued to go to KUMC, Kansas City, Kansas for cancer treatments.

Ray died suddenly on June 1, 2011 while they were in Missouri for the summer. After Ray’s passing Laura continued to live in AZ. She attended Holy Way Presbyterian Church in Tucson. She knew friends in the congregation and became good friends with Dudley Williams, a recent widower at the church. He lived in Green Valley, AZ and on February 15, 2014, they were married and lived in Green Valley enjoying a vibrant and welcoming social life until her death.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on April 19th,1:00 PM at the Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Vallery Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Valley Presbyterian Church in honor of Laura or The Villa Rosa Assisted Living Home.