Reta Penney

Reta Vondean Penney, age 72, of Waco, formerly of West, passed away late Saturday evening, January 11, 2014 at her residence. Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Dr. Rusty Penney and Pastor David Gant officiating. Graveside services will be held 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Whitney Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Reta was born February 27, 1941 in Hillsboro, the daughter of Charles B. and Juanita (Fair) McConathy. She attended schools in Whitney and was a 1959 graduate and Valedictorian of Whitney High School. She went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Baylor University and a Master's Degree from Texas Women's University in Denton. Reta married the love of her life, Clyde P. Penney on December 24, 1958. Clyde preceded her in death on September 8, 2005. Reta was a school teacher for the Waxahachie and Waco Independent School Districts and Parkview Christian Academy before retiring in May 2012. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in West where she was a librarian and worked in the nursery. She was also a Girl Scout Leader while in Waxahachie. Reta enjoyed sewing, reading and was an avid Baylor Bears fan who attended games regularly. She especially loved spending time with her family and playing with the grandchildren. Reta is also preceded in death by her parents and a son, Clyde Dwayne Penney. Survivors include three daughters, Lavonne Blalock and husband Andy of Austin, Cyndee Penney of Waco and Anjee Reed and husband Michael of Austin; a sister, Peggy Land; grandchildren, Anne Finley and husband Mason, Rebecca Blalock, Mary Beth Blalock, Casey Penney, Caterina Reed and Clyde Austin Reed; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Gilbert Flores, Andy Blalock, Mason Finley, Mike Reed and Lane Flores. Donations may be made to any local library in Reta's memory.