Penelope Kay Bartlett
April 19, 1942 ~ April 27, 2025
Penelope Kay Bartlett was born April 19,1942, in the humble town of Gridley, KS to parents, Don and Virginia Hoss. She was the oldest of three children and shared a special bond with her grandmother, Hattie Kaufman. With Myron Bartlett, she had two daughters, Tracy Slade and Ginger Hill. Ginger and Kenny gave her two grandsons, Jimi and Lucas.
She had a special connection with her grandsons and loved spending time just hanging out at home or in the sand on a Destin beach. She always supported and attended all the ball games, from T-ball to high school football, rain or shine she hung in there with us. Jimi and Gabbie have a daughter, Paisley (age 4), and Lucas and Jamie have two sons, Hudson (age 4) and Holden (18mths).
Penelope started in the insurance business in the late 1970s and continued to invest in herself and her career until she became the owner of her own independent agency. We heard many fun and crazy stories about Insurance Women Conferences. She retired from the business at the age of 65.
Throughout her whole life the lake was her happy place. There were so many weeks, weekends or just day trips to several different lakes but Kaw Lake was her all-time favorite. Most of her family and friends will have fond and possibly a little scary (LOL) memories of lake trips and experiences. Her brother, Terry and his wife Melba, and her sister, Candy and her husband, Phil all enjoyed a lot of holidays and lake vacations together. She inherited her love for travel and exploring the world from her parents. She was always up for planning a trip many were inspired by a beautiful beach or tasty wine. So naturally Florida, Texas, and California were a few of her favorite destinations.
As a social butterfly she never missed attending a party or social event. Throwing the New Year's Day black eyed peas open house was a highlight for her. She loved starting every year off celebrating with friends and family. Her favorite birthday celebration included a tasty margarita/martini/glass of wine etc. :) and a festive Mariachi band or Rita Coolidge concert.
Penelope had a strong faith in Jesus Christ and was devoted to her church and faith. She knew in her heart He is the reason she was so strong and persevered though her cancer. She battled and beat breast cancer 23 years ago. Then she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer 6 years ago. She battled both diagnoses like a champ. She was determined to live a wonderful life as long as possible, and she outlived her diagnoses by 3 years. Until the last year she handled the chemotherapy and radiation very well. But eventually it took its toll on her body and mind. Through all the pain and confusion, she kept a positive attitude.
Her family and friends were precious to her, and she loved telling stories about her past, sharing thoughts about the present and planning more trips and parties in the future. I am certain right now she is sitting around a firepit enjoying a cocktail with Peggy, Carol, Guy and Donna, Linda and many other dear friends that have passed on before her.
Penelope led a full and wonderful life. She absolutely lived it her way.
Rosary will be 7:00 pm, Sunday, May 4, 2025, Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, May 5, 2025, both at Christ the King Catholic Church. A memorial has been established with: Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, Gene Spear Garden Railroad, 701 North Amidon Street, Wichita, Kansas 67203. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
What a great gal! Penny and I met in one of my WSU Wine appreciation classes. She also went on a couple of my wine cruises. Always smiling, and cheerful, we shared many glasses of wine and some fine memories. Gone to soon, fondly remembered!