Penny Whitters

Ruth Mary 'Penny' Whitters Penny Whitters, 73, of Marion, peacefully went Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, after a long-term battle with Alzheimer's. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion. Visitation: 2-5 p.m., Sunday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 2 p.m. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Penny was born March 16, 1942, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Ronald and Helen Nennig. She grew up in Dubuque, graduating from Wahlert High School in 1960. On August 31, 1963, Ruth 'Penny' Nennig was united in marriage to William E. Whitters at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque. By her side always was her husband, Bill, who for 52 years shared a love and life partnership, treasuring her as the mother of their three children. Penny loved The Lord, her family, and her friends with all her heart. Penny was a woman of strong faith, who not only lived it, but shared it. Penny would like to share this prayer with you: I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard. I felt the answer in my heart, although He spoke no word. I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind. I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day to grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small. But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all. Penny loved spending time with family and friends. She would cook and serve a banquet for entertaining others. Penny traveled with her husband, visiting more than 25 countries. She enjoyed snowmobiling with the taste of snow on her tongue and watching the splendor of sunsets with her family. Penny liked chocolate and ice cream and enjoyed a glass of spirits every now and then. She was meticulous at housekeeping and bookkeeping but still made time to enjoy the beauty of blue skies, autumn colors, and the sound of rustling leaves at her feet. She enjoyed the birds singing, the smell of spring, and the warmth of sun on her face. Penny was a devoted, loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was vibrant, outgoing, and a giving person with endless encouragement and support for her family. If you were ever in need of a strong, supportive friend, Penny would be your 'go-to' person. Penny was President of Landlords of Linn County for more than six years and State President of Landlords of Iowa for two years. Penny was a counselor and taught self-esteem classes. She volunteered at school, church, and various other groups. She also worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. Penny departed from her loving family to join our Heavenly Father, leaving behind her best friend and cherished husband, William Whitters; children, Todd Whitters (Kim McKernan), and Laura Hivento (Sandy McDonald), both of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Chase Whitters of Cedar Rapids, Skyla Whitters of Glencoe, Oklahoma, Taylor Munson of Cedar Rapids, and Carlos and Alex Hivento of Cedar Rapids; siblings, John (Teresa) Nennig of Independence, and Carol DeFendi of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews. Penny was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Scott. The family wishes to express a sincere thanks to Heritage Nursing Home for their dedicated and compassionate care, and to everyone who has prayed and given support.