Penney Roth Brons, born Edith Penney Roth, died on March 12, 2009, of complications due to a stroke. She was born Jan 17, 1921, in Salina, Kan., to Ralph F. and Arvilla Johnson Roth. She was raised in Russell, Kan., and moved as a teenager to Miami, Fla., and graduated with a B.A. from the University of Miami in 1942. She supported the war effort by teaching swimming to military personnel. She worked for Pan American Airlines at Dinner Key in operations.
She married John R. Brons on Nov. 25, 1944, had three children and enjoyed an adventure- and love-filled 62 years together. They lived in Guatemala, Germany, Austria, England, Florida, Idaho and Wyoming. She used to joke that she was a turnip and wherever they moved she would set down roots.
Penney had friends everywhere, and will be sorely missed by them and by her family. She was an accomplished and gracious hostess, cook, gardener and photographer, publishing a well received book on Rocky Mountain wildflowers, "Wild Wildflowers of the West," with her dear friend Edith Kinucan. The fourth edition was printed in 1991. Her flower gardens in Ketchum and Alta, Wyo., were part of fundraising tours and always a source of joy to her family. She loved listening to classical music and opera and was a regular ticket holder to the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson. Her community service focused on the local libraries wherever she lived.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Anthony Roth; her husband, John; and one grandson. She is survived by her three children, Rowan Brons (Bob Jones), Erica Brons (George Tremblay) and John F. Brons, and by her grandsons, Keith (Jake) Brons and Cooper Tremblay.
A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at the St. Francis Episcopal Church in Alta, Wyo. A light supper will be served afterward. Appreciation is sent to Hands of Hope Hospice of Idaho Falls. Donations may be made to your local library in lieu of flowers.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home in Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
