Penny Kay Pickering

Penny Kay Pickering, a luminary in the lives of those who knew her, was born February 10, 1953, in Lancaster. She embraced life with a vivacious spirit that radiated warmth and laughter, making her a cherished friend and family member. Penny’s journey came to a close on November 3, 2024, at the Pickering House, surrounded by those she loved.

A proud graduate of LHS in 1971, where she showcased her spirited enthusiasm as a cheerleader, Penny never wavered in her boundless love for family and community. An outgoing soul, she had an uncanny ability to connect with people, often causing strangers to become friends within mere moments. Her humor was legendary; she was quick with one-liners that incited both laughter and joy, infusing lightheartedness into even the most ordinary of days.

Penny was not just a beacon for her family; she was the glue that held them together. Her legacy is richly woven through the lives of her loving husband, James “Pick” Pickering, with whom she shared 35 beautiful years, and their children: Karrie Linehan, Danielle Stebelton, Dan (Elisa) Singer, and Kevin (Jenice) Pickering. She was the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren and delightedly embraced her role as the grandmother of 7 great-grandchildren. Penny found her greatest accomplishments in the laughter and love of her family.

In addition to her nurturing spirit, Penny was a woman of many interests. She found immense joy in the great outdoors, where she commonly indulged in golfing—a passion that culminated in her winning the Pumpkin Vine Ladies Club Championship in 2023. Her love for nature also expressed itself in her fondness for hunting and fishing, where she thrived in the beauty of the wild. An avid lifeguard and diving instructor, she dedicated herself to ensuring the safety and joy of her family, teaching her grandchildren and friends the art of swimming in aquatic splendor.

Penny's family circle included siblings Rick Powers, Patrick Powers, and Lisa Gleissner, along with several cherished nieces and nephews, further enriched by the memories they forged together. Yet, amidst the many vibrant relationships she cultivated, she bore the weight of loss in her heart. Her beloved daughter, Michelle Pickering, father Patrick Powers, mother Maribelle Underwood Powers, and mother-in-law Mary Kraker awaited her in realms beyond.

While the sun sets on Penny’s time with us, the radiant light she shared will endure in the laughter she inspired, the stories told around the family hearth, and the countless lives she touched. Her warmth will linger like the gentle breeze in a sunlit field, forever echoing the spirit of a woman who never knew a stranger, whose life was a celebration of love, laughter, and unwavering family devotion.

Caring Cremation has taken place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. A private celebration of life service will take place at a later date. Donations in Penny's name can be made to the Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd. Lancaster, OH 43130. Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com