Donna Fae Pennington

Donna Fae Pennington, 88, passed away Sunday, November 23, at Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper, Wyoming. She was born on December 31, 1936, in Lusk, Wyoming, the daughter of Benjamin F. Wolfe and Rose Marie (Hitchcock) Wolfe.

Donna grew up and attended school in the small town of Lusk, Wyoming. She graduated from high school with the Lusk High School Class of 1955. During her high school years, Donna also held a few jobs in town; her favorite was being a “soda jerk” at the local drug store, Willard’s Drug.

On January 15, 1956, at just 19 years old, Donna married the love of her life, Ted L. Pennington, at the Lusk Congregational Church. The pair made their home at the Pennington family ranch in Lost Springs, Wyoming. There, they made a life together ranching and producing cattle.

After becoming a ranch wife, Donna perfected her skills in the kitchen, cooking countless meals for her family and all guests that made their way to the ranch. Her branding dinners were well known throughout the neighborhood, with her most notorious and most requested branding treat being her Caramel Cinnamon Rolls.

Beyond her duties within the household, Donna worked tirelessly alongside her family doing the day-to-day ranch work. Feeding cattle, riding horses, and milking the cow were just a few of the things she loved to do. Donna loved the cattle and was always sad to part with each calf crop at shipping time. She also loved all the horses and was always grateful to have the blessing of a country home. Donna and Ted were happily married for 47 years.

Donna and Ted were the parents of two children: a daughter, Diane (Hall), and a son, Samuel. The children were involved in sports and activities in town, which meant so was Donna. She loved supporting their endeavors and participating in the activities as well. Donna herself held memberships with the 5280 Homemakers Club, Converse County Cowbelles, as well as being a lifetime member of the Cowboy Joe Club.

Donna became a grandmother in the Summer of 1984. In the years to follow, she was blessed with a total of 3 grandkids and 4 great grandkids. Her commitment to her role as a grandmother is unmatched. She adored and treasured each grandkid, providing her unending love and support. She is greatly missed.

Donna is preceded in death by her son, Samuel L. Pennington; her husband, Ted L. Pennington; parents, Ben and Rose Wolfe; and brother, Sheridan Wolfe.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Diane (James); her grandkids: Kyle (Hollie), Kali (Taylor), and Koel (Josh); and her great grandkids: Logan, Sutton, Savanah and Blair.

A service of remembrance will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1:00 in the afternoon at the Lusk Congregational Church, 120 5th Ave, Lusk, Wyoming. Interment to follow at the Lusk Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Donna in a special way in lieu of flowers may make gifts in her memory to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions Kloefkorn House, 304 S. Fenway Street, Casper, WY 82601. Donna’s family is beyond grateful for the love and care that she and her family received from every staff member. Arrangements made by Pier Funeral Home, 101 West 4th Street, Lusk, WY.

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