Joyce Pennington

Joyce Pennington, 82, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at Grandview Assisted Living after a yearlong battle with cancer.A memorial service will be held at First English Lutheran Church, 726 2nd Ave N, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2013. A reception will follow at the church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Joyce was born August 11, 1931 in Conrad, Montana to Clyde and Edith Christensen. She grew up on the family farm west of Conrad with her brother Roy. She graduated from Conrad High School in 1949 and married her high school sweetheart, Arnet Smedsrud. They farmed east of Conrad and raised their three children. Joyce was a devoted mother and farm wife. Joyce and Arnet divorced in 1985. Joyce moved to Great Falls. She met and married Skip Pennington in 1986. Skip and Joyce enjoyed 7 years of fun and travel until Skips death in 1993.Throughout her life Joyce was active in Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls, achieving the Grand Cross of Colors. She was very active in Girl Scouts when her girls were members, leading Girl Scout troops and trooping activities for 15 years. She was an active member of Pondera Lutheran Church in Conrad teaching Sunday school and keeping church books. When Joyce moved to Great Falls she joined First English Lutheran Church. She felt very much at home at First English and devoted her time to their food bank program called Helping Hands. Joyce joined PEO in 2005 and very much enjoyed the sisterhood she found there.Joyce belonged to Meadowlark Country Club and played golf with the girls whenever she could. If she wasnt home you could find her on the golf course. During the winter months she kept busy playing bridge and reading. Joyce also loved to travel later in life and went on lively adventures with her dear friend Roe Bowman.Joyces greatest love and joy was her family. She was the glue that held us all together. Mom never failed to be there when we called. We knew she was always beside us wherever we went and in whatever we chose to do.Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her bother Roy Christensen and her husband Skip.She is survived by her children, son Jim Smedsrud, his wife Debbie, their sons Tyler and Brady Smedsrud; daughter Susan Schmasow, her husband Glenn, their children Jennifer Schmasow, Kate Arritola and husband Toby, and great granddaughters, Allie and Averie Arritola, Matt Schmasow and wife Paige; daughter Debbie Bishop and sons Chad, Ross & Brett Bishop; step daughter Susan Parker and husband Mike.Please send Memorials to First English Lutheran Church, Peace Hospice or the charity of your choice.This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it! We love you Mom.