Obituary
Fay Pennock
July 11th, 1937 - August 21st, 2024
Katherine Fay Sheffield Pennock, 87, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away August 21, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Fay was born July 11, 1937, in Provo, Utah, the first of Erwin Lowell and Katherine Jane Grow Sheffield’s five children. She grew up in Springville, Utah, graduating from Springville High School in 1955 as the senior class secretary. She won awards for shorthand and was a runner-up in the Miss Springville pageant, where she was also voted Miss Congeniality.
Fay worked as a secretary while studying at Brigham Young University. It was in her carpool group from Springville to Provo that Fay became acquainted with a handsome, mischievous young man named Bob. She soon realized that his lively spirit was the perfect match for her thoughtful, deliberate one. They became engaged under the streetlight in front of her childhood home.
Fay and Robert Elden Pennock were sealed in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 28, 1956. Together they had five children, and Fay devoted her life to loving and raising them. Bob’s work took them from Provo, UT, to Blackfoot, ID, to Moses Lake, WA, to Idaho Falls, ID. They ultimately settled on “the farm,” complete with a barn Fay adored, a house she designed, and a menagerie of animals she tolerated.
Fay was an active, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, serving in many teaching, leadership and social service capacities. Her faith grounded her entire life.
Fay had a quiet dignity about her that sparkled with her clever wit. She frequently sent “old-fashioned” letters and cards to friends and family, and she cherished every handwritten note she received in return. Her children and grandchildren loved talking with her because she was a deep thinker and a wonderful listener. She was always there for her family – except when a BYU game was being broadcast. Like her father, she “bled blue.”
Fay was an avid reader, participating in a book club for many years. She loved to shop and give presents; January marked the beginning of Fay’s Christmas shopping season. She had a gift for creating a warm, welcoming home filled with carefully chosen antiques where everyone felt wanted, safe and loved. She was a wonderful cook, gracious hostess, and loved to set a beautiful table. Her home was a gathering place; countless relatives, friends and visitors have treasured memories of time spent at the Pennock’s.
Fay is survived by her children, Scott Robert (Lesli Walker) Pennock of Idaho Falls, ID, Katherine (Lloyd) Christensen of Kaysville, UT, David Sheffield (Gisele Monsour) Pennock of Idaho Falls, ID, Karen Fay (Chris) Cleveland of Olympia, WA, and John Patrick (JoAnn Barney) Pennock of Sammamish, WA; her siblings, Nan (Phil) Harrison of Blackfoot, ID, Jim (Lynda) Sheffield of Ft. Collins, CO, and John (Alana) Sheffield of Littleton, CO; 25 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
Fay was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her parents, and her sisters, Laurie Brown and Julie Thurman.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tautphaus Park Zoological Society (Idaho Falls Zoo) or mail to P.O. Box 51794, Idaho Falls, ID 83405.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Taylor Cemetery, 720 East 129 South, Idaho Falls, ID. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID.
