Rosemary Marjorie (White) Penningroth, 91, passed peacefully from this life on Jan. 3, 2025, in Clive. Visitation was held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton on Jan. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. A luncheon was held at St. Mary’s Parish Hall, adjacent to the church, prior to her burial and Rite of Committal at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tipton.
Born on July 20, 1933, in Muscatine to Francis and Marjorie (Pace) White, Rosemary grew up on their family farm, attended a one-room rural elementary school, and graduated from Wilton High School. She then attended and received a two-year diploma from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1954. Rosemary returned to college part time in the 1970s, receiving a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa in 1978.
Rosemary’s love of family and value for education intertwined throughout her life. She met Raymond Penningroth of Tipton in 1954 while she was in her first year of teaching at Tipton Community School District. Rosemary and Ray were united in marriage on June 9, 1956, at Saint Matthias Church in Muscatine. They were blessed with children Ann, Mark, Kent, Kevin, Thomas, and Michael as they established and grew their farming operation northeast of Tipton. Rosemary returned to the classroom, teaching fourth grade for 16 years before retiring in 1997. She spent countless hours nurturing knowledge and confidence in her children and grandchildren by reading books aloud, helping with homework, and attending school events. Rosemary was famous for her coveted homemade caramels, loved playing bridge with dear friends, and was an Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball fan before it was cool.
Rosemary is survived by her children Ann Goodman, Mark (Becky) Penningroth, Tom (Diane) Penningroth, and Mike (Nicole) Penningroth, daughter-in-law Camille Penningroth, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, sons Kevin and Kent, son-in-law Pat Goodman, and sister Ruby Babcock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tipton Athletic Boosters or Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.
Custom obituary