Penny A. Bartlett, 78

Penny A. (Rahn) Bartlett was born to Robert and Marion (Conradt) Rahn on May 10, 1946, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, six minutes after her twin sister. She spent her younger years growing up in Alabama and her high school years in Wisconsin with her twin sister, Peggy, and younger sisters Nancy and Bonnie. Penny graduated from Horlick High School, Class of 1964, in Racine, Wis. She then worked as a typist and secretary for the Forest Service. Penny then pursued administration schooling, obtaining her real estate and broker's licenses.

She settled in the Silver Valley with her husband, Bob, and had two daughters, Kelly and Wendy. Penny opened Van's Realty in the early 1970s and was a successful broker, selling many homes and land in the Silver Valley. She made many friends as a real estate broker and spoke often of the enjoyment of the job.  

After her divorce from Bob, she met Larry Bartlett, who would become her husband in October 1980. 

In May of 1980, Penny and Larry were in a car accident that should have ended Penny's life, but miracles do happen. She fought back hard. After several months in a coma and severe brain trauma, she defied all odds. With a significant stubborn streak, Penny fought to relearn to walk, talk and navigate life with her two young girls and husband, Larry. 

After closing her realty company, Penny spent three years with Larry and her daughters in Alaska. While in Alaska, Penny was particularly fond of boating and deep-sea fishing. Even with her limitations, Penny enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, going for car rides and especially caring for her pets. All animals she came in contact with enjoyed her caring attitude and were eventually wholly spoiled rotten.

Penny is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marion; her half-brother, Robert Rahn; her sister, Nancy Edwards; her stepson, John Shepherd; and her grandson, Nathan Bartlett.  

Penny is survived by her husband of almost 44 years, Larry Bartlett; her sisters, Peggy Anderson and Bonnie Knowak; daughters Kelly (Christopher) Bergem and Wendy Van Kleeck; stepchildren Todd Bartlett, Lynette (John) Ferguson, Ryan (Cindy) Bartlett, and Stacie (Dennis) Simpson; grandchildren Lynzie Van Kleeck, Zachary Bergem, Charles (C.O.) Bergem, John Davis, Izzy Davis; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her closest friend, Nina Pesterfield.   

At her request, no services will be held and the family suggests donations to Shoshone Pet Rescue in lieu of flowers.

Memories of Penny and messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Bartlett family with arrangements.