Dunkirk, IN
Heaven is now a much more beautiful place with the addition
of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Penelope Kay Chism lost her
courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, October 6, 2012. She passed
peacefully at her home, holding the hands of her family.
Kay, as she was so fondly known, was born in Eaton to
parents Herbert Wright and Georgia Rathel Wright on April 4, 1941. Kay was the
eleventh child of fifteen and a twin:
Betty Hurley, William “Bud” Hurley (deceased), Ellen
Kriescher (deceased), June Clark (deceased), Dorothy Schroeder (husband,
Richard), Fred Wright (deceased), Jimmy Wright (deceased), Jerry Wright
(deceased), Oren “Tub” Wright (deseased), Eugene Wright (wife, Joann), Sara
Wolfe (husband, John), Louie Wright (Kay’s twin, deceased; wife, Shirley),
Becky Eppard, Judy Egley.
In March of 1957, Kay married her husband of 55 years, Dale
Francis Chism in Muncie. Kay blessed Dale with four children and the family
lived in Shideler before building their own home in Dunkirk. Kay was employed
at Sheller Globe and developed many wonderful friendships during 26 years at
Indiana Glass.
Upon entering Kay’s kitchen, one would always expect to hear
a radio broadcast of the Cincinnati Reds. A fan since the days of Pete Rose and
the Big Red Machine, Kay could often be found sporting her Joey Votto jersey.
Family holidays were never complete without Kay’s famous beef and noodles or
pineapple-upside-down cake and her elaborate decorations. She never missed an
opportunity to bargain hunt at garage sales or browse Goodwill. Kay will be
remembered for her love of card games, her shoe and purse collection, bowling,
and pressing her luck at the slot machines, dog races and on scratch offs. Her
compassionate and giving spirit was evident in all she did. Kay was always the
first to offer help to a family member or friend in need. Kay certainly earned
the title of “World’s Best Grandma”. Nothing satisfied her more than rocking on
the porch swing and enjoying time with her family.
Left to cherish Kay’s memory are her loving husband, Dale;
two sons, Roger Chism (wife, Vicky) of Hartford City and Carl Chism (wife, Lechelle)
of Muncie; two daughters, Marsha Dragoo (husband, Edward) of Albany and Sandy
Johnson (husband, Jake) of Dunkirk; four grandchildren, Teaessa Chism-Okino
(husband, Scott) of Seattle, WA, Michael L. Smith of Albany, Jamie Dragoo of
Muncie, Tara Dragoo of Albany; two spoiled great grandchildren, Zachary Carter
of Albany and Kaylynn Nolley of Muncie; Multiple step-grandchildren, Bonnie
Frye (Chris) and children Kristin, Brianna and Austin, Jackie Campbell (Billy)
and children Torri and Jacob, Michelle McHatton (Keith), Joe Johnson and
children Tasya Johnson and Mercades Clark, Heather Johnson and son Chase
Petrie, Tina Johnson and children Adrian and Skylar Stewart; special family
friend, Phil Buck.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings.
A celebration of Kay’s wonderful life will be held
Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 1:00 pm, at the Pitman-Richman Funeral Home 200
S. Hartford St., Eaton. Burial will
follow in Black Cemetery, Albany.
Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Tuesday,
October 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and one hour prior to services Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s honor to Little
Red Door and the IUBMH Cancer Center.
Kay’s family wishes to thank Dr. Spahr, Dr. Lin, Margorie Wiseman, the IUBMH Cancer
Center staff, Hospice and the Pitman-Richman Funeral Home for their outstanding
care and compassion.
Online condolences may be sent to
the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com
