Lorene Ross Pennington

Birth: September 9, 1927 | Died: October 31, 2026

Lorene Ross Pennington, 99, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Born on September 9, 1927, in Flat Gap, Kentucky, Lorene was raised in Waverly, Ohio. In 1952, she relocated to California, where she would meet her husband, Robert L. Pennington, and begin the next chapter of her life. Together, they built a family and made their home in Anaheim, California, where Lorene would spend the remainder of her life.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, Mason A. Ross and Lester Williams Ross; her beloved husband, Robert L. Pennington; and several of her siblings. She was one of eleven children, growing up alongside six sisters and four brothers. She is survived by her two sisters, Geneva Gilliam and Helen Detillion.

Lorene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and her husband, Robert, raised two sons, Keith A. Pennington (Stacey) and Jeffrey B. Pennington (Roberta), who were a source of great love and pride throughout her life.

Her family continued to grow through four grandchildren: Alyssa Pennington (Alan), Kelsey Pennington, Jerod Pennington, and Natalie Pennington; and three great-grandchildren: Sage Sheppard, Axel Zeiler, and Ava Zeiler.

Lorene dedicated 17 years of her working life as a special needs teacher's assistant in the Anaheim School District, where she had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children who needed extra care and encouragement. In her later years, she continued her commitment to serving others through volunteering at the local hospital, the Senior Center, and her church, the United Methodist Church of Anaheim. Giving of her time and caring for others were simply part of who she was.

Lorene was a kind and compassionate woman who lived her life serving the Lord and loving her family. She possessed a gentle spirit and a quiet strength that carried her through life's many seasons. She was the kind of woman who put the needs of others before her own, offering love, care, and kindness without expecting anything in return.

Her faith was the foundation of her life, and her family was among her greatest blessings. The legacy she leaves behind is not measured in years alone, but in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the example she set. Her gentle presence, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that a life devoted to the Lord has reached its eternal home.

Memorial Service

A memorial service celebrating Lorene's life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Anaheim United Methodist Church, located at 1000 South State College Boulevard, Anaheim, California.

A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

Burial Service

Burial services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:45 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, Staging Area #5.