Penelope Wilkie

Penelope "Penny" Ann Wilkie, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025-the same date her mother passed away in 1968. She was born on October 9, 1938, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Carl Clarence Hall and Thelma Virginia Collens.

Penny's early years were spent in Waukegan before her family relocated to Provo, Utah, when her father took a job at Geneva Steel. She pursued her passion for nursing at Westminster University in Salt Lake City and earned her RN degree while working at St. Mark's Hospital.

On September 1, 1960, she married Alex Irvin Wilkie in Provo, Utah. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. After their marriage, Penny and Alex, along with Alex's two young children, Alex Jr. and Marilyn, moved to St. George, Utah. Penny embraced the role of both mother and stepmother with love and dedication. Alex served as pastor of the Community Baptist Church, where Penny played the piano and organ for services. Both also worked at Dixie Memorial Regional Hospital-Alex in maintenance and Penny as a nurse. In 1962, they welcomed their daughter, Lauren Kim.

Alongside her career and family life, Penny had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. She was an avid cyclist, completing numerous century and even double-century rides. She found joy and challenge in hiking the Grand Canyon, trekking rim-to-rim, and rafting the Colorado River for a week-long adventure. In St. George, she was often seen on long walks, treasuring the solitude and exercise.

Penny had a profound love for animals, caring for many over the years. Most recently, she had eight beloved cats, many of whom found their way to her and were spoiled with love and good food. Her gentle spirit and quiet strength made her a natural caretaker, both for people and animals.

Her and Alex traveled often some of the favorite locations were Austrailia, New Zealand, Fanning Island, Egypt, Canada, Mexico, Panama Canal, Alaska & Hawaii but their favorite place to visit was the Holy Land, visiting 6 times

Her faith was a guiding force in her life. She attended many in-depth Bible studies, always bringing thoughtful questions and insights. As her health declined, she often spoke about heaven, filled with wonder but also certainty that it would be a place of peace, free from pain, in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Penny is survived by her husband, Rev. Alex Wilkie (95) of St. George; daughter Lauren "Kim" Ence (Brent) of Ivins; granddaughter Morgan Ence (John Johnson) of Charlotte, NC; grandson Dustin Brent Ence (fiancée Melanie White) of Ivins; great-grandsons Jalen Johnson and Tahdre Ence; great-granddaughter Bryntlee Ence; great-grandsons Crew Dalton and twins Arlo and Jude Ence; granddaughters Ashley Stout and Sloan White; sisters Peg Hogben (Mike) of New Jersey and Pat Linnebur of Salt Lake City; nephew Dave Hogben (Connie); and nieces Michelle Jenson (Dave) and Nichole Grada (Jeff).

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Thelma Hall; stepson Alex Wilkie Jr.; stepdaughter Marilyn Stout White Taylor; and brother-in-law Tom Linnebur.

A celebration of life will be held at Red Mesa Fellowship on March 29 at 10:00 AM-the same church where Penny once played piano when it was Community Baptist Church.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dixie Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St George, UT 84770  435-673-2454

Friends and family are invited to sign Penny's online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com