The Excelsior Standard, Oct. 28, 2022

Colleen Pennington

Colleen Yvonne Pennington, 79, of Orrick passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Colleen was born Nov. 15, 1946, in Junction City, Kan., the daughter of Millard Joseph and Gladys Agnus (Meredith) Heskett. She was united in marriage to Homer Andrew Pennington of Milford, Kan., on July 19, 1964. He preceded her in death on Dec. 3, 2020.

Survivors include her two sons, Bradley (Stacey) Pennington and Gregory (Lisa) Pennington, both of Excelsior Springs; and daughter, Christina (Daniel) Schmidt of Excelsior Springs.

Other survivors include 10 grandchildren: Britni Pennington, Ashley Forbes, Jessica Pennington, Trevor (Mikala) Pennington, Haley (Tyler) Barton, Kody Pennington, Parker Forbes, Cooper Schmidt, Mike Banks and Dani Banks. She also is survived by her three great-grandchildren, Sawyer Pennington, Stevie Barton and Sonny Roach; and sister, Barbara (Charles) Luthi of Riley, Kan.

In addition to her parents and husband, Colleen was preceded in death by two brothers, Dwight and Robert; and three sisters, Nancy, Charlotte and Joyce.

Colleen was raised and educated in the area of her birth, attending school in Milford before graduating from Riley High School.

She devoted her early years to being a housewife and homemaker, lovingly raising her family. Once her children were grown, she pursued her passion for helping others and returned to school to become a registered nurse. She earned her associate’s degree from Penn Valley College (now MCC-Penn Valley) and later completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Kansas.

Colleen had a lifelong love for sports and was an enthusiastic fan of Kansas Jayhawks basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. She also was an avid and talented bowler, maintaining a strong average and enjoying many league nights at the Y-Bowl in Excelsior Springs.

At home, she could often be found sewing, crafting or tending to her flowers. Her green thumb made every plant flourish. She enjoyed watching old Westerns, especially the TV show “Gunsmoke.” Christmas was her favorite season of all.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to South Point Cemetery. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Graveside services were scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in South Point Cemetery, Orrick. Visitation was scheduled for 12:30-1:30 p.m., also on Wednesday, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.

Please share your memories of Colleen with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.