Hattie June Spencer Penland

(07-14-1936 to 08-06-2022)

Born July 14, 1936, the only child of George & Gertrude Spencer, Hattie June (Spencer) Penland passed from this life August 6, 2022.

United in marriage to Jack Penland on March 21, 1957, Hattie and Jack (who predeceased her January 22, 1985) blessed their union with two children, Melanie Young-Hafer (married to Ian Hafer) and Michael Spencer Penland (married to Cheryl Thomas Penland).

Hattie is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Melanie's daughter Megan Hicks (married to Jordan Hicks) whose son Jude became the first great-grandson, and Melanie's son Garrett Young (married to Stormy Young); Michael Spencer Penland's daughters Taylor Frizell (spouse Chandler Frizell, and children Luna and Lydia, great-granddaughters of Hattie and Jack) and Lindsey Penland.

Hattie adored her large family of Spencer cousins— those with whom she fortunately celebrated a family reunion shortly before her untimely passing.

Her lifelong best friend of over 80 years, Nancy Rule, as well as Martha Johnson, a fellow Springfield Senior High School classmate (class of 1955), will hold dear the many precious memories the three of them shared.

Hattie worked mainly in the home, with intervals of employment in the retail trade, particularly at Levy-Wolf department store. She was especially noted for being a fashion show model at their special events. Throughout her life, Hattie was known for her stylish fashion sense and immaculate taste.

Hattie loved animals, especially the dogs that were her constant companions. For the last eight years, her beloved Yorkie, Mia, went everywhere with her.

Holidays, especially Christmas, were so important to her, and she enjoyed decorating and hosting parties to celebrate holidays and special occasions.

Hattie belonged to Central Christian Church all her adult life, and she and Jack married there.

Now, God has returned Hattie to the side of her high school sweetheart and loving husband Jack. She is missed by all those who knew and loved her. This world became a smaller place when she left it, but the memory of her smile will continue to light our way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 20th, 2022, at Central Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, with interment at National Cemetery at 10:00 am on Monday, August 22nd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Hattie's name to C.A.R.E. Rescue, the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, or WOW (watching over whiskers).