W. "Penny" Mason

W. “Penny” Mason, 83, of Peoria, IL went to dance with Jesus at 1:24 pm Friday, Feb. 21, 2014 at OSF Richard W. Owens Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 17, 1931 in Pesotum, IL to Lexie and Cecil McIntyre Simmons, she married Robert Ervin Mason on November 24, 1962 in East Peoria. He preceded her in death on May 19, 2008 in Peoria. Surviving are 4 daughters, Joedy O’Keefe (Dan) Didiuk of Peoria, Roberta “Bobbi” Mason (Paul) McAtee of Indianapolis, IN, L. Renea O’Keefe-Scott of Dunlap, IL, Susan Owen-Mason of Peoria, IL, 2 sons, Kelly O’Keefe Sr. of East Peoria, IL, and James Owen-Mason of Indianapolis, IN, 1 sister, Joan (Roy) Miller of Washington, IL, 2 brothers, William “Shorty” (Marilyn) Simmons of Peoria, IL, and Michael (Jennifer) Lowman of Las Vegas, NV, 17 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 daughter, Penny Kay Owen, 1 grandson Joshua Lee McAtee, 1 sister, Mildred Watson, and 3 brothers, Joe D. Simmons, Donald Simmons, and Earl Lowman. Penny retired after many years at Jumer's Castle Lodge in Peoria. She was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria. She enjoyed playing pool with Bob, performing in song for others, and being with her family. She loved playing bingo with her friends from B’nai B’rith. She will be remembered for her generous spirit. She would do anything for anyone and was always willing to help others. She made the world a better place because our mom was in it. Penny lit up the room when she smiled. She loved to dance, and is now dancing with Jesus. A special thank you to her church family and those who assisted with Penny’s care over the past years. Also, much gratitude to the amazing and caring staff of OSF Richard W. Owens Hospice House. A funeral service for Penny will be at 11 am Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria. Pastor Fred Doughty will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Wednesday at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria, with additional visitation from 10-11 am Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Memorials may be made to OSF Richard W. Owens Hospice House.

W. "Penny" Mason

January 17, 1931 - February 21, 2014