Shewmaker, Penny L. 1951-2024 Elk Grove, Calif.
By NewsPress Now
ELK GROVE, Calif. – Penny Lee Shewmaker (Miller), 72, of Elk Grove, California, went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Penny was born on Oct. 3, 1951, in St. Joseph. She graduated from Missouri Western in 1973 with a B.S. in Education. While attending college, Penny worked at Noyes Home for Children providing care for the children in residence, this was the beginning of a lifetime commitment to serving at-risk children. After college, Penny assisted in the management and operations of several family businesses in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was a lifelong Christian who demonstrated her love of the church by serving as treasurer, on leadership councils and boards, teaching Sunday School and working with youth groups, providing member care to shut-ins and the elderly, as well as many other acts of service.
Penny met Stan Shewmaker during a family visit to Southern California and the two were wed in St. Joseph on Aug. 12, 1973. Penny and Stan went on to have four children prior to moving to Elk Grove in August of 1987. While in Elk Grove she was a dedicated homemaker. Penny and Stan began fostering infants and young children in 1989. For over 25 years Penny provided care, love, and attention to over 30 foster children. During that time she and Stan adopted their three youngest children making them parents to seven.
Penny’s gift for hospitality made her a beloved hostess who always had an open door and a plate of food ready for anyone who would come to pay an expected or unexpected visit. She showed her love for her family, friends, and guests through a smile, a story, and a warm welcome.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Orin T Miller and Doris Evelyn Miller; her brother, Eugene L. Miller; and her son, Jeremy.
She is survived by her husband, Stan; her children, Jennifer (Brian) Dangott, Matt Shewmaker, Nick (Rachel) Shewmaker, Alex (Jenna) Shewmaker, Rose Shewmaker, and Ashton Shewmaker; grandchildren, Dominick, Simon, Brooklyn, Ava, Evelyn, Emma, and Layla; and brother, Terry Miller.
A small memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, in Elk Grove, on Friday, July 12, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Noyes Home for Children, in St. Joseph, 816-232-5650. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
