Lillian Irene Pennigton

Lillian (Ormsbee) Pennington, age 91, died peacefully on April 11, 2024 at Stanford Lodge in Sunfield, MI. She was born July 1, 1932, grew up in Bellevue, MI and graduated from Bellevue High School. Lillian met her husband, Harold "Penny" Pennington, while visiting Clear Lake Dance Hall in Dowling with her friends. They married on July 8, 1950 and spent over 34 years together. Harold passed away in 1984, but remained the love of Lillian's life and she spoke of him everyday. She and Harold raised a son, Mike, and two daughters, Cindy and Linda. The family had seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She loved all of her family and their many dogs and often reminisced about her last dog, Pepper. Lillian volunteered for Head Start, acted as a den mother and Bluebird leader. She was active in the PTA and neighborhood ladies club. Lillian also worked at Union Steam Pump and later at Meijer, where she retired after 25 plus years. She developed many long-term friendships, had a great sense of humor and brought joy to every gathering. Lillian loved cooking and baking and shared generously with her family and friends.  She always said yes to a leisurely country drive and stopping for ice cream. Back at home she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening and watching the Red Wings with her grandchildren. 

Lillian is survived by her son Michael (Renate) Pennington, daughter Cynthia (William) Swafford, daughter Linda (Barry) Jackson and sister Helen Winchell. She had seven grandchildren including Valerie (Philip) Skeltis, Matthew (Nannette) Pennington, Jonathan Pennington, Nicholas (Amanda) Eavey, Darrin Jackson, Devin (Sarah) Jackson and Nathan Pennington. 

She was preceded in death by parents Francis and Maude Ormsbee, husband Harold Pennington, and siblings Vivian Bailey, Isabelle Smith, Hazel Funk, Harry Ormsbee and Ernest Ormsbee.

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