Beloved Mother, Teacher and Friend Rebecca Lorene Penrod was born in Holland Missouri on July 11, 1921, the daughter of Harry and Mary Connelley. She passed away in Redding, California at the age of 94.
Lorene, as she was called, attended schools in Missouri. Due the great need for teachers in 1942, after a year of college, she took a teaching assignment in a small school in Missouri. She eventually moved to California, where she graduated from Fresno State in 1966. She taught kindergarten and first grade in Corcoran, Anderson, and Alpaugh schools and retired after 40 years at the age of 70. She continued to substitute teach for another 10 years.
Lorene loved Life. She delighted in teaching and encouraging children and was devoted to her family and students. She had a love of music and was creative with her classes. She loved God and was an involved and committed member of churches in each community where she lived; including Missionary Baptist Church in Corcoran, Southern Baptist Church in Alpaugh, and Lake California Church in Lake California. As a parent and teacher she was active in the PTA, serving one year as President, a member of the Retired Teachers Association, and in her in later years, she enjoyed being a member of The Red Hats Society. Lorene leaves a legacy of love, hope, and grace to all who knew her including family, friends, and the hundreds if not thousands of students whose lives she touched.
Lorene’s husband, Lavon, of over 72 years preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters; Penelope Childers and husband, Larry and Marsha Damme and husband Michael, sons; Stephen Penrod and his wife, Delphina, Philip Penrod and his wife Debbie, and Stanley Penrod and his wife Annette and Daughter-in-law, Linda; 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by two sons, Samuel Penrod and Bruce Penrod. Lorene leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and students.
Visitation will be at People’s Funeral Home in Corcoran, on Friday April 29, 2 to 6 p.m.
Services will be at the Methodist church in Corcoran on Saturday April 30 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of Flowers, remembrances may be made to Lake California Community Church, 19999 Lake California Drive, Cottonwood, California, 96022. Designate: S.W.A.T. (Students With A Testimony) or your favorite charity.
