Betty Jean Pennington

Betty Jean Pennington, 69, of McClure, Illinois, passed away September, 5, 2026 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Born in Salina, Kansas, on April 13, 1957, Betty spent most of her childhood growing up in Grand Tower, Illinois. Throughout her life, she was known above all else for her incredible strength and work ethic. She was a true fighter who took every curveball life threw at her like a champ, always standing strong and showing up for the people she loved—always.

Betty worked for many years at Ensign-Bickford/Dyno Nobel before retiring from Shawnee District 84, where she spent many years as a dedicated custodian. Driven by a lifelong desire to learn, she went back to school later in life and proudly earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Yet as much as she valued her education, her ultimate pride and joy was her family. Being a "Mom" and "Nanny" to all of her kids and grandkids was her greatest achievement, which included stepping up to raise two of her granddaughters.

When she wasn't at the ballfield cheering on her kids, Betty could often be found crafting, crocheting, working through word searches and puzzles, hunting for treasures at yard sales, or scratching off Bingo lottery tickets.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jeffery Pennington; her sons, Todd (Kristi) Pennington and Adam Pennington; her granddaughters whom she raised, Morganne (Kelli) Kennedy and Brylea Foutch; her grandchildren, Destiny Hecht, Tuc, Ella, Via, Dax and Ladell; her great-grandchildren, Huck, Arayah, Marley, Kylie, and Kiersten; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. She also leaves behind her sisters, Diane (Gary) Ressler, Deana (John) McCormick, Jen (Miriam) Nimtz, and Cheryl Nimtz; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Pennington; her grandson, Samuel; her mother, Bernice McIntosh; her her father and stepmother, Michael (Gloria) Nimtz; her stepfather and stepmother, Bobby (Laura) Qualls; her grandmother, Delia McIntosh; and her brother, Steven Nimtz.

Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Meredith Funeral Chapel in Grand Tower with Aaron Boyd officiating. Burial will follow at Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of service at the funeral chapel.

Memorials in Betty's name may be made to the Southeast Missouri Pets Adoption Center in Cape Girardeau, MO and will be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Meredith Funeral Chapel in Grand Tower is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or story of Betty, please visit www.meredithfh.com