Our own precious Mother Mary, Mary Elizabeth Penix was reunited with the love of her life, Rolland J. Penix on March 21, 2018. This devoted wife of 74 years was born on Christmas Day, 1924 to Agnes and Charles Yates in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a true gift of love to her parents, her husband, her family and all who knew her. Mary, “Betty,” was a graduate of Angola High School, after which she pursued a career in cosmetology at Ravenscroft Beauty College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  She and Rolland later put their entrepreneurial skills to work and became the owner/operators of the Penix Oil Company and two beauty salons, the Colonial Beauty Shop and The Hair Depot in Angola, Indiana.  This was all preceded by two “in home” salons, allowing Betty the opportunity to service her customers and still be available to her ever growing family.  Her years in the hairdressing business gave her a great sense of satisfaction by providing caring, quality service to her clients.  Her staff and clientele became extended family to this warm, openhearted lady. As dedicated as she was to her profession, it was her husband and children that were the center of her life.  This 74 year long love story began on June 19, 1943, in Auburn, Indiana when Betty and Rolland were united in marriage.  Shortly thereafter, Rolland left to serve his country in WWII. Together, they endured four long years of separation with multitudes of love letters going back and forth from Germany and the US. This ultimately led to a joyous reunion. From then on they continued to dedicate themselves to each other, to their family and to their faith. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing cards. Together they gave their six children a home filled with unconditional love, discipline, faith, respect and lots of fun and humor.  Betty did, with Rolland’s blessings, some independent, personal interests including bridge club, golf and her love of travel.  She enjoyed all of the above activities but parenting was her #1 priority and she handled this responsibility in her own unique way.  She was a woman with much wit and wisdom that will forever be remembered and repeated such as:  “Get up, let’s go, you are going to have fun whether you want to or not!” “Good day or bad day?  You choose;” “You aren’t dead yet are you? Then it can be fixed!” “You have to make things happen!;” “This isn’t Heaven you’re living in.”  We rarely heard “wait until your father gets home!” because she handled issues herself.  We often wished we would hear “wait until your father gets home!” To her 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren she was a constant, a comfort, a guiding light, strength, and a source of endless love and support—a true MOM!

 She is survived by six children:  Jeanne McCormack(Terry Arkwright); Robert Penix; Richard Penix(Gina Covone); Nancy Stone(Ken Stone); Cindy Leuck(Todd Leuck); Chuck Penix(Deb Madura). “Grandma Boppy will be missed her grandchildren: Melissa Jeffries, Mark McCormack, Clinton Penix, Cody Penix, Hunter Penix,  Ashley Strickland, Candace Hons, Jeffrey Stone, Katie Stone, Evan Leuck,, Cory Penix, Sarah Penix, Alex Penix,  Emma Penix.  Betty was Great Grandma Boppy to:  Hannah Jeffries, Nick Jeffries, Riley McCormack, Morgan Craft, Beckam McCormack, Abbi Strickland, Andrew Strickland, Cooper Hons, Taylor Hons, Gavin Hons.George  Penix, and Nora Penix.  She was preceded in death by  her husband, Rolland J., her parents, Agnes and Charles, a brother, Richard Yates and a special aunt, Betty Kiles.

 Our Mother, Mary, also known as Grandma Boppy, Betty Boop and Bad Betty held offices in the 8 and 40 and the Hairdressers’ Association. She and Rolland also spent hours working together with fundraising projects for the new Saint Anthony’s Parish in Angola, Indiana.  She was also awarded the Hoosier Heroes Award, which was much deserved.  But, with all of this, Mom will be long remembered for her determination and commitment, her love, and the passion with which she lived.  Betty lived life and inspired others to do the same.  She always said, “You never leave this world until your job on earth is done.” To a precious wife, mother, grandmother and friend, thank you for a job well done! It is with enduring love and inexpressible gratitude that we say “Good Bye” to our beloved mother, we adore you, and “Yes Mom, that IS Heaven you’re living in!” 

 A funeral mass will be held at Noon  on March 27th  at  The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 2224 Sacramento Dr., West Lafayette, IN.  There will be a luncheon to follow at the church hall. A private graveside service will be held in Angola, IN. on March 28th followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 P.M. at 6 Autumns Food and Spirits, 3855 SR 127 N., Angola, IN. All friends and family are invited to come celebrate Betty’s legacy.