Eleda Pennie Obituary (1925 – 2021) – Frenchtown, MT

Eleda Elizabeth “Pat” Pennie
January 5, 1925 – October 13, 2021
Frenchtown, Montana – Eleda “Pat” was born to Orville F Day ” Barney” and Elizabeth F Day on the Muddy Creek, Kremmling, Grand County, Colorado.
She attended school (grades 1-12) in Jerome, Idaho and the St. Lukes School of Nursing from 1943-1945and was a cadet in the Nurses Corps in World War II. She later joined her sister Cecil in Oakland, California as a welder building the Liberty Ships during the war. Pat’s upbringing during this period shaped her future and conservative mind set with regard to life “she could squeeze water from a nickel” as she often said.
She moved to Boise and married J.R. Smith in May 1945 and they had twins; Bonnie Elaine and Ronnie Duane. They divorced in 1956. She married, the love of her life, Mart K. Pennie in June 1958. They had three children; Brent Richard, Patricia Lynne and David Mart for a family of seven.
Pat and Mart traveled much of the Western Hemisphere fly fishing, hunting and exploring, with the adventures often including the kids. Their homes were decorated with many fine trophies. One such trophy was a 72 lb Tarpon she caught on a fly fishing trip to Costa Rica. Once again, she had “out-fished” Mart!
Pat also enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards, reading and most of all; time spent with family and friends. She was a favorite grandma among all of the grandchildren and went on to raise her grandson Brandon after the passing of her daughter, Patricia.
Her commitment and love of her family throughout the years will be remembered as her greatest gift; with the stories continuing to be told around the dining room table and campfire.
She is preceded in death by parents; Orville and Elizabeth, brothers; Bryce Day, Ira “Tuffy” Day, Kenny Day, and Frank Day, and Sisters: Hazel Spellerburg, and Cecil Kersey, Husband Mart, Daughters; Bonnie Myer and Patricia Pennie, Sons; Ron Smith, and David Pennie, Grandchildren; George Haneke Jr., Kyle Romes, and Laura Boswell.
She is survived by her son Brent R. Smith (Vicki), Grandchildren; Jon Haneke, Ryan Romes, Sarah Smith, Amy Smith, Brandon Boswell, Alex Pennie, Troy Smith, and Bryce Smith, Great Grandchildren; Hannah Romes, Chris Romes, Kylie Romes, Ava Hernandez, Aiden Boswell, Chloe Klungle, and Jack Henry McFadden, and many long-time friends and relatives.
Pat passed away at home surrounded by family at her home in Frenchtown and ready to join those who passed on before her. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Hospice – Partners in Home Care, Missoula, Montana with deep appreciation from the family. A memorial will follow in May 2022 with details to follow.
Arrangements under the direction of Just Cremation Montana.