Marjorie Howerter Vail Pensyl, 97, went home to be with her Lord in the morning of Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
Marjorie (Marty) was born February 13, 1920, at home in Steubenville, Ohio. Her parents were Fred and Edna Morton Howerter. Marty’s mom, Edna, passed away at the time of her birth and she was adopted by Charles A. and Mary Elizabeth Ford Vail. Marty grew up in Broadacre, Ohio and graduated from Steubenville High School.
Marty was the loving wife of the late Charles Pensyl. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Howerter and sisters, Mary Katharine “Kay” Howerter Shields, Betty Howerter Yeago and half-sister, Susanne Howerter Olesen.
She will be sorely missed by her daughter, Dr. Penne Halliday; son-in-law, David Garippa; granddaughter, Heather Halliday Noble and her husband, Eric; great grandchildren, Audrey and Emily Noble; nephew, Chuck Yeago, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Mrs. Pensyl graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1942, with a major in English and a minor in Biology. After college, Marty taught grades 7-12 in New Athens outside of Cadiz, Ohio. She later taught in the Washington Court House City Schools in the old Washington High School building. Her students won top awards on State exams. A yearly highlight was to attend the class reunions. She loved her students, and was beloved by her students.
Marty and her husband, Charlie, opened the Pensyl Camera Store in downtown Washington Court House. Marty was a talented photo processor and photo restorer. She and Charlie taught photography and led photographic trips for many in this area. An annual photography trip to Old Man’s Cave was a favorite of hers. Marty was a gifted photographer and captured top awards in many contests to the chagrin of male competitors.
Marty and Charlie were chapter leaders for the John Birch Society, an educational organization and they hosted meetings for decades. She always had snacks ready for the photographic or Birch meetings. Marty and Charlie had an American Opinion bookstore in their camera store.
Mrs. Pensyl was a longtime member of the First Christian Church and sang in the choir. Marty attended the Fayette Bible Church. Marjorie had a brilliant mind and a love for God. She recently studied the books of Daniel and Revelation with a keen interest in the tribulation, end times, and Christ’s return.
Most of all, Marty loved her family. Her daughter was her love. She enjoyed entertaining all the relatives that would come her way.
Although you didn’t want to spar with Marty verbally—she’d beat you every time. We will all greatly miss her.
A private graveside service will be held Friday in the Washington Cemetery with the Rev. Tony Garren, pastor at the Fayette Bible Church, officiating.
Friends may call at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House Thursday from 4-6 p.m.