Pennie Whisler only gave birth three times, yet she had hundreds of children. Her life was well spent investing in children and young people – all with a humble spirit becoming of a Christian wife and mother.
Pennie was ushered into heaven Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016 from her Mansfield home. She was 65.
Born Pennie Ann Wilging April 3, 1950 in Mansfield to Eugene R. “Gene” and Dorothy M. “Dot” (Hulit) Wilging. She graduated from Madison High School in 1968. She earned her bachelors degree in Family & Life Science from The Ohio State University and embarked on a 30-year teaching career.
Pennie taught home economics in North Ridgeville, and substituted while raising her boys. She hit her stride when, in 1995, she began with Springfield City Schools and started with the GRADS Program in the JVS, teaching pregnant teen parents in the district. She didn’t just teach, Pennie became a mother-figure and fearlessly loved those girls, investing in them and their success.
She later operated a similar program for Greene County Vocational School. Pennie’s needle skills, along with her compassionate heart, compelled her to make a quilt for each of her student’s babies.
Pennie taught the home arts, but she also enjoyed them: knitting, crocheting, quilting, cooking, and humbly shared her knowledge when asked.
Active in the Christian faith, Pennie had served as treasurer during her 20-plus years of membership and ministry to children at First Baptist Church in Urbana and treasurer of Western Baptist Association. She later joined Bethel Baptist Church, where she served as treasurer, and worked with VBS, Kids Club, and Kids Hope – mentoring children during their lunch hour. Pennie was currently a member of Clear Fork Alliance Church, active with Ladies Book Club, Home Group and volunteering with Richland Pregnancy Services.
Remembered for her compassionate heart, generosity, and selflessness, Pennie was a strong woman who saw the value of working with children, and delighted in her beautiful grandchildren. Pennie loved and invested in her family to create a loving environment where Christ was the center and her children pursued God and His calling on their lives, to live in a way that honors the Lord (Micah 6:8).
She is survived by her husband Ted Whisler; their sons Ryan and Jennifer Whisler, of Canal Winchester; Matthew and Amy Whisler, of Springfield, and Michael and Megan Whisler, of Mansfield; grandchildren Brecklin, Addikin, Bella, Annie, Kinley, and a granddaughter on the way; sister Vickie and Phil Wittmer, of Mansfield; brother Mark and Laura Wilging, of Mansfield; brother-in-law Nelson and Kay Whisler, of Lexington; along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Her parents are deceased.
The Whisler family will receive friends Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, where a service celebrating her heaven-going will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pastors Michael V. Stine and Scott Fetter will officiate. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Contributions in her memory to Gideons International may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Pennie’s family, share a favorite memory, message of support, or watch Pennie’s tribute video online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
