Ruth Jo Penner, 90, died Aug. 2, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion.

She was born July 23, 1921, near Cullom, Ill., the daughter of the Rev. Charles and Lena (Pollitt) Willming. Due to her mother’s passing during childbirth, she was raised by her grandmother Dora and aunt Dorothy Pollitt in Marion.

She was a graduate of Marion High School, and received a teaching certificate from Southwestern College, Winfield. On June 4, 1950, she was united in marriage to Ira I. Penner. They farmed near Marion. She was the organist at Valley United Methodist Church from 1934 to 2001, and also an office clerk for the Marion ASCS office.

She is survived by her husband Ira, and half siblings Charles Willming of Keazer, Ore., Edward Willming of San Antonio, Texas, and Virginia Barcroft of Lebanon, Ore.

Visitation with family was Thursday at Zeiner Funeral Home in Marion. Services were Friday at Valley United Methodist Church in Marion. Interment was in the Marion Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established with Valley UMC in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.