Penny Jo Smith

Penny Jo Smith, 67, of Peoria, IL, died Sunday evening, May 31, 2020, due to Alzheimer’s Disease.  She was born to Carol and Dale Smith in Iowa Falls, IA, on October 13, 1952.

Her early years were spent surrounded by loving extended family.   She grew up in Iowa Falls and Marshalltown, IA, where she graduated from High School in 1971.  The highlight of her school days was the marching band trip to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA.  Penny attended Marshalltown Community College and embarked on a career in business as an administrative assistant.  She moved to Minneapolis, where she lived and worked happily for many years.  She was actively involved in Grace Church in Edina.  During this time, she spent a year working in Vienna, Austria, for Grace Mission.  She took the opportunity to travel around central Europe, seeing the sites, and capturing beautiful photographs.  Wanting to be closer to family, Penny moved to Illinois in 1989.  She spent many happy hours with her nieces and nephews.

Penny worked for Keystone Steel and Wire in Bartonville, IL, in sales and benefits administration making friends of co-workers and customers alike.   She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Peoria, where she played the baritone in the band.  Penny was happiest when she had a dog in her life.  She loved to read, ride her bike, travel, take pictures, and watch movies.   In 2013 she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease.  She faced this diagnosis with courage, faith, and humor.  Penny was a beloved daughter, sister, and Dear Sweet Aunt Penny

Penny was preceded in death by her father, Dale Smith, and a brother, Brian Smith.  She is survived by her mother, Carol Smith of Peoria, IL,  brother Brad (Lisa) Smith of Las Vegas, NV, sisters Candy (Tom Hiett) Smith of Monmouth, IL and Wendy (Mike) Monahan of Peoria, IL, 11 precious nieces and nephews, 12 adorable great-nieces and nephews, uncle Roger (May) Waggoner of Lafayette, LA, and numerous loving cousins.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen, Heddington Oaks, Transitions Hospice, and especially the Apostolic Christian Skyline home for the wonderful, loving care Penny received during her journey.  No formal service is planned at this time.  Interment of ashes will be at a later date in Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls, IA.  Memorials can be made to Apostolic Christian Skylines home in Peoria, in Penny's honor. 

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