April 14, 1952 — Sept. 14, 2017
Born in Redding, California, to Arlene Marie and Willard F. Mitchell, Sr, Penny grew up in El Sobrante, California, and moved to the Salt Lake City, Utah, area during her teenage years.
Penny was a very caring and compassionate friend and mother. Her family meant the world to her. She worked hard to provide the best possible life for her son, Michael Rodriquez, and in 2002 she moved to the St. George area to spend more time with her mom until she passed away in 2007.
They were the best of friends and shared time fishing at Grandpa’s Pond, playing games and enjoying each other’s company. Penny missed her so much since her mother passed away in 2007 and always honored her memory in every way possible. There is surely a long-awaited and glorious reunion in heaven.
Her three grandkids were the light of her life! She was always looking forward to their next get-together and carried their photos with her wherever she went. Her phone pictures were her “gramma brag book.” Their accomplishments and fun times spent together brought her so much joy! She was thrilled beyond words when she found out she would be a great-grandma last month and included the ultrasound picture with her family photos.
Penny positively influenced everyone she came in contact with. Her playful banter was one of her most beloved traits. She cared so deeply and shared everything she had.
Penny constantly went out of her way to make life better for friends, family and strangers. She worked at Wal-Mart as a checker for the past 14 years and was a delight not only to her co-workers but many loyal customers who would wait in her line, even if it was the longest one, for a touch of Penny-love. Somehow she seemed to be able to remember everyone and was always asking about the well-being of others.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in whatever capacity she could.
Along with spending time with her family and friends, she loved gardening and had a great love for animals. She was a die-hard Raiders fan, and everyone around her was sure to know it! Penny collected all kinds of things – pins, keychains, unicorns, and anything RAIDERS!!
She combined her sassy spunk with her magical smile and was truly one of the most grateful and caring people in the world.
Taken from us too suddenly on Thursday, Sept 14, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents, Arlene Marie and Willard F. Mitchell, Sr; brothers Dennis and Steven Mitchell; and numerous aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her son Michael (Deja) Rodgriquez of Holladay, Utah; grandchildren Demetria, Deven and Oaklyn Rodriquez; her Brother Willard (Kathy) Mitchell of Salt Lake City, Utah; her sister Robin Stripling of Texas; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a trust account at any Wells Fargo Bank to assist with final expenses.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 3:15 p.m. at the Far West LDS Chapel at 320 N. 3200 West, Hurricane, Utah, with a viewing prior to at 2 p.m.
- An additional viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary on Monday, Sept. 25, at 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.), Sandy, Utah, at 2 p.m. with a burial and graveside service at 3 p.m.
- Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.