Norma Pennington

Norma Mildred Eliason Pennington passed away October 21, 2023 at Valley view Village.

She was born November 2, 1921 to Richard B. and Theresa (Halverson) Sydnes. Norma graduated from Slater High School. In 1942, she graduated from Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa and married Victor R. Eliason on June 6, 1942. Norma was a bookkeeper and accountant for 10 years in Des Moines, Iowa. They moved to Texas in 1961 for health reasons. In Texas they became Administrators of Helping Hand Children’s Home in Austin, Texas. They served over 600 children for 21 years before Victor died in 1975. Noma remained serving for an additional seven years before she moved back to Des Moines, Iowa in 1982. She met and married Ray Pennington on August 5, 1982. They loved traveling together including visiting to 14 countries and all 50 states. After Ray passed she moved into Valley View Village and enjoyed volunteering her willing spirt in any and all activities.

She is survived by her step daughter, Rebecca (James) Jerwens; nieces, Cheri Rogers and Bette Jean Cramer; step granddaughter, Sara (Seth) Daniels; great nieces; great nephews; step great grandchildren; cousin, Mary Reagh; special friend, Mary Cook; and other loving friends.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Richard J. Sydnes; sister, Irma H. Elliott; foster sister, Helen Ruth (Donald) Burgan; step-daughter, Deborah (Rick) Schrader; and both of her beloved husbands.

Memorial service will be held Monday, October 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Valley View Village Chapel, 2571 Guthrie Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley View Village in
loving memory of Norma Pennington.

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