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Obituary

 

Donna Lee (Boese) Penner was born on October 11, 1928 to Abraham and Anna (Burkhard) Boese in Bakersfield, California. She died peacefully on January 15, 2022 at Carrington of Shafter assisted living center in Shafter, California.

Donna, the youngest of Abraham and Anna’s three girls, grew up in the family home on Los Angeles Avenue, just south of Shafter. Her father farmed the small acreage around the home. Donna held sweet memories of her growing up years with her tall, kindly father and her devoted mother, and with fondness recalled how her Grandma Burkhard lived with the family.

Donna graduated from Shafter High School in 1946. Subsequently she attended Pacific Bible Institute in Fresno. During these years Donna began dating a fellow church member and Shafter High School graduate, Arthur Penner. Art and Donna were married in the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church on June 21, 1947. They were married for 73 years until Art’s death in 2020.

Soon after their marriage Donna and Art moved into the family home on Los Angeles Avenue where Art grew the family farm and Donna managed the home, providing the magical glue which held the family together. They welcomed four children into their secure nest on Los Angeles Avenue—Stephen in 1949, Susanne in 1950, Randall in 1952, and Sharon in 1957—gifting their children with a loving environment which implicitly taught respect and kindness towards all, care for God’s creation, the importance of family, the truth that faith without works is dead, a love for family times, and the value of sharing.

Donna was a life-long member of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. She chose to follow Jesus and was baptized on June 27, 1943 in a reservoir west of town. Across the years she helped to prepare many meals and participated in service ministries of the church. In an unassuming manner, she gave leadership to her church’s fest committee, coordinated the cookie booth for the MCC Relief Sale, and led Campfire Girl groups. She attended many community events and was active in the PTA.

Donna was the youngest in her nuclear family, and the youngest among her assorted brothers and sisters-in-law. Her youthfulness belied her strength and resolve. Donna was an even-keeled, eminently patient woman who was unflinching in the face of challenges. She was an excellent cook, remembered for, among things, her lovely breakfasts and her baking. She escorted her children to countless appointments and games, quarterbacked family vacations, and attended to the details of maintaining various relationships.

Donna’s family appreciated her quiet, artistic flair. She knew just how to place a bouquet of flowers or transform a simple meal into a pleasing feast. The aroma from her apple pies, cinnamon twist rolls, cookies, and peppernuts always flavored the family home. Donna loved to express herself with an artist’s brush in her right hand. For most of the last half of her life she enrolled in painting classes. Mostly she painted landscapes using soft, pastel colors. Her paintings found their way to MCC relief sales and decorate the walls of all her children and grand-children’s home.

These qualities contributed to her gift of hospitality. She loved to welcome people into her home. She took care to make sure everyone had enough, and in her quiet way made sure that everyone knew they were welcome.

Donna loved to travel or, at least, talk to one of her children about their travels. Art and Donna enjoyed many vacations together with dear, life-long friends Roger and Kathy Frantz. With the Frantz’s, they hauled their trailer houses to the coast, made an unforgettable trek to the World’s Fair in Seattle, and took in the Fall colors on the East Coast. They also visited Europe, Mexico, and Africa.

Donna was devoted to her children and supported them unconditionally in all their endeavors. As the years went by she loved to listen to the stories her descendants told of their various adventures. Nothing pleased her more than to know they were living full, healthy, righteous, caring lives.

Donna and Art’s sturdy, faithful marriage lasted for over seven decades. Her steady, patient presence was a solace to Art through the ups and downs of farm life. Art always knew that after a long day on the farm he would come home to an orderly scene filled with serenity, joy and pleasant aromas. He knew that she had been just as active in the home as he had been out in the fields.

It was a difficult decision in 2018 when Art and Donna moved from the family farm on Los Angeles Avenue. After a short season in Bakersfield they moved to Carrington of Shafter where they spent their last years. Donna died in her sleep early on the morning of January 15. Daughter Susanne was in the room as she slipped away from this earthly life.

Donna was predeceased by her husband Arthur, her parents Abraham and Anna Boese, her sisters Aldeen and husband Max Slitor, Edna and husband Murel Nicks. She is survived by her son Stephen and wife Glena, daughter Susanne and husband Mark Franz, son Randall and wife Pam, daughter Sharon and husband Bob Wiebe. She leaves behind ten grand-children and their spouses, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Each one treasures her memory.

The family is deeply grateful for the kind and loving assistance provided Donna by Carrington of Shafter and Hoffmann Hospice. Memorial gifts may be sent to Hoffmann Hospice, Mennonite Central Committee, or Friends of the Shafter Library.