Stella Faye Pennington

Stella Faye Pennington, 91, born on December 28, 1933, in Rocky Ford, CO, peacefully passed away at her home surrounded by family on April 8, 2025. She was born to Fred Andrews and Hazel Anderson Andrews in a farmhouse on the Morrison farm just west of Swink. When she was five, her father remarried and she was raised by her stepmother, Lois Stover Andrews.

She met Ralph Pennington in 1950 and they were married at her family home in Rocky Ford on March 2, 1951. Their four children, Valerie, Tom, Ted and Vanessa were all born in the Arkansas Valley, but were raised in various towns throughout the valley, Gunnison, Buena Vista and Salida. She and Ralph settled in Rocky Ford and owned Double R Auto Parts for 18 years.

She was raised and active in the Baptist Church throughout her life. She kept busy, gathering with friends on a weekly basis for Rummikub and dominoes, visiting with friends in her backyard, and taking trips with her family. Her greatest joy came from working in her garden and maintaining a pristine yard.

Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Pennington; daughter, Vanessa Abert; and siblings, Katie Taylor, Jo Nixon and Jay Chamberlain; brothers in-law, Clifford, Donnie, and Marion Pennington; sisters-in-law, Juanita Jones, Doris Mills, Barbara Morris, Betty Pennington, and Mayrene Pennington.

She is survived by her children, Valerie Pennington of Rocky Ford, CO; Tom Pennington of Manzanola, CO; and Ted (Mary) Pennington of Yampa, CO; son-in-law Curtis Abert of Colorado City, CO; special niece Janie Taylor of Longview, WA; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Hopkins, Lois Pennington, and Janice Pennington; friend, Fred Cortese; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was adored by her grandchildren: Danny (Sherri) Hiltz, Mike (Kate Behm) Hiltz, Pat Hiltz, Jenni (Craig) Somers, Blake (Haley) Pennington, Kristy (Shawn) Dubisky, Kasey (Kieran) O’Halloran, Tyler (Caroline) Abert, Rylee (Jeremy) Norris, and Chance Abert. Stella had 20 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren with a third due this summer.

The family is planning a graveside memorial service to be held this summer. Check Peacockfh.com for service updates.

Memorial donations can be made in Stella’s name to Arkansas Valley Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.