Penny Tucker Trauth, 96 ½, of Kerrville TX, leapt into the lap of our Lord with a shout of JOY, on February 10, 2022. It was peaceful and joyful as she was so ready to be united with God and her husband. As was her way, she controlled her death as she did her life. She was happy and said goodbye to her family and friends before she opened herself up to the next chapter in her journey. She was blessed by all who knew her.

Penny was born July 14, 1925 in Wichita Kansas, to Vivian and Elgin Tucker. She and her sister, Maurine, were raised in Oregon, and lived part time with their favorite Aunt Audrey. In the 1940's, as part of the home front war effort, Penny joined the ranks of Rosie the Riveter and Wendy the Welder, welding ships in San Francisco, CA. She was held by her ankles upside down in the port holes, to weld in the tight places, because of her small stature.

Penny's love of music began at age 7, playing a duet of Mozart's Minuet with her sister, piano lessons at 11, and tenor guitar in her middle years. Her family often enjoyed gathering on weekends for sing-a-longs. Many a night you could hear Penny playing her beloved organ music into the wee hours. Finally at age 78, she got serious with the Cello, claiming the handle ''Yo Yo Ma Ma,'' and playing for several years in an orchestra called ''Take a Bow.''

She married Royce Lee in 1948, and gave birth to their son Terry, in 1949. Royce died unexpectedly and Penny was widowed with her young toddler. A couple years later she was smitten by a handsome, intelligent young man who happened to be Royce's cousin, Ignatius Charles (Jim) Trauth Jr. With sparkles in his eyes, Jim told of the time when he saw Penny, baseball cap and all, rounding second base while the other women sat in the bleachers. That was all it took. They married August 23, 1952. Their shared life began in Texas with Terry, followed by the birth of their first daughter, Jody, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The family grew with their beloved collie, Holly of Holliman, who traveled with them for 14 years. Their second daughter, Lisa, was born at Edwards AFB in California. Penny and Jim enjoyed their union of 65 years, until his death in 2018.

Jim's employment took them all over the world and they lived for several years in Australia and Japan and experienced and loved those cultures. Penny brought back much of the Japanese influence, through her love of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging,) Bonzai plants and Japanese dolls. ''Konnichiwa'' is how Penny would say ''Good day'' and ''Konbanwa'' was her goodbye...They also traveled to Israel and Rome on a beloved pilgrimage and visited many other Pacific countries. The highlight of their 65 years together was climbing Mount Fuji in Japan, where they were bombarded by a tsunami.

Retirement brought them to Kerrville, TX, near their daughter Jody and her family, where Jim built Penny their log home. Penny was blessed to participate in an ACTS retreat, which altered her spiritual trajectory. She remained active in the community, volunteering for 10 years at Raphael Free Clinic, and creating lifelong friends. Her longevity could in part be credited to her participation in Peterson Cardio Therapy. She fell in love with the therapists and after exhausting her medicare, she picked up the tab for the next four years. Being the frugal person we all knew her to be, she went everyday ''to get her money's worth.''

The last year of her life, Penny was graced by the wonderful staff of Peterson Hospice. They were instrumental in assisting her in her final journey with dignity, kindness and love. The family cannot thank them enough for their commitment and care. Penny leaves behind memories that will long be cherished by all who were privileged to share in her life.

Penny Trauth was a woman of deep faith, who was devoted to God, and her family, including her grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy. She is survived by her daughters, Jody Adams (Hank) and Lisa Lacy; grandchildren, Kati Adams and Andrew Lacy; sister, Maurine Bishop; nieces, Sharon Ramirez (Hector) and Marcie Timme (Jeff); half-sisters, Joyce Stenflo (Jan) and Maureen Tucker; her extended family, Betty Lee and children, Lenore Walker, Laura Tanner, Carmel Goneau, and Joel Lee; and several other cousins and relatives.

Penny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Trauth; son, Terry; half-brother, Al; and grandson, Jon Adams.

of Death - Khalil Gibran

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides,
that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

When Penny leapt into the Lord's lap, a final ''Ta Da'' could be heard...

A memorial mass will be held:
9:30 a.m., Saturday
February 26, 2022
Notre Dame Catholic Church
909 Main Street
Kerrville, Texas 78028

Reception to follow in the Fireplace room.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Raphael Free Clinic
1807 Water St.
Kerrville, TX 78028

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