Bessie Penrod 1930-2024

Bessie Elaine “Tickie” Penrod, 94, of Centralia, formerly of Soldier, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Eastridge Nursing Facility.

She was born March 24, 1930 in Burlington, the daughter of Frank Roy and Vira Althea (Boyer) Wagoner.

Tickie attended country school and graduated from Horton High School. She was a seamstress for Horton Garment Factory, helped invent the astronaut suit in Texas and worked for Beech Aircraft in Salina in the shipping department.

She was a member of Soldier Christian Church.

Tickie was preceded in death by her two sons, Roger E. Penrod and David E. Penrod; four sisters, Grace “Mickey” Ashton, Beckie “Tackie” Paden, Billie “Ann” Cummins and infant sister Wanda “Tuck”; and an infant brother, Frank Roy Jr.

Survivors include two daughters-in-law, Brenda Penrod of Soldier and Marcia Penrod of Salina; two sisters, Zohna “Twinkle” of Ozark, Ark., and Wanza ‘Nip” of Horton; five grandchildren, Kim Golden, Brian Penrod, Jared Penrod (Julia), Hillary Randa (Justin) and Laura Penrod (Levi Prusia); and five great-grandchildren, Riley Golden, Corriander and David Penrod and Owan and Jack Randa.

Private family celebration of life and inurnment at Burlington Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to her great-grandchildren’s educational fund, made out to Hillary Randa and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)