Barbara Beverly Lundberg Penwell

This is a tribute to Barbara Beverly Lundberg Penwell, who did not want an obituary. On July 8,1940, the Lord sent to us his most precious servant “angel,” and 81 years later, on November 9, 2021, he fulfilled his promise to her by bringing her home to Heaven. Born to Swen and Bella Lundberg, Barb grew up in NYC (Brooklyn and Queens). She enjoyed many family adventures with her mother, brother David (of NYC), grandparents, and aunts and uncles, all of whom instilled in her a great love for God, family, and adventure. As a young lady, she was compelled to head out west to see the mountains, where she fell in love with both the countryside and Charles “Chuck” Penwell (deceased), who became her devoted husband of 57 years. Together, they raised two children, Clint Penwell (deceased) and Lonnie (Larry White) Jackson of Arlington, TX. Barb loved family camping trips, bicycling, sewing, baking, and serving in many capacities with various ministries at Grace Baptist Church (now Living Grace) where she was a member throughout her adult life. When blessed with their only grandchild, Melissa “Liz” (Josh) Jackson Fuston of Fort Worth, TX, who they proclaimed was their “third child,” Barb and Chuck fervently dove back into the sea of activities they had always embraced as parents, enjoying their second chance for family travels and fellowship. Barb could often be seen cycling around town, swimming, and playing in the “gerbil tubes” in parks. One of her most famous roles was that of cookie lady, being well-known for her trays of beautiful cookies and yummy baked goods. After her daughter and granddaughter moved to Texas, Barb furthered her service through helping shut-ins, working for the church’s bread ministry, crocheting hats for newborns, and giving of herself in every possible way, all the while, counting her blessings and never complaining of her own pain, which was great. But it never deterred Barbara from giving all she could of herself and praising God. When cancer wracked her body, Barb still kept going, like the Energizer Bunny she had always been. She bravely faced chemotherapy and cancer, enduring long enough for her husband’s memorial service and to meet her brand new great granddaughter, Zoë Fuston, of Fort Worth, TX. All the while, she constantly counted her blessings, prayed for you all, and praised God. Barbara’s second to last adventure was a miracle trip to be with her Zoë Rose and family one last time in Texas, and she repeatedly said it was the best two weeks of her life. Barb so dearly loved her family, including the family she married into, claiming her in-law siblings as her own and building lasting bonds with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Barb embodied her faith in all of her actions and would wish for all of us to be counting our blessings, as per her example. Some of her last words, before she left us on her very final adventure, surrounded by loving family and friends, were, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” and “I love you.” Barbara and her family give special gratitude to Peace Hospice and to Living Grace Church, where we will hold her celebration of life service after the holidays. We also thank you for memorial gifts, which may be sent in her name to the GF Rescue Mission or Intermountain Christian Fellowship.