Penelope Inglis

Born Nov. 15, 1944, in Veblen, S.D., to Lloyd “Frenchie” and Florence Tyler, Penelope F. “Penny” Inglis was a happy little girl who liked riding horses and going to the local movie house on weekends. She loved all the movie stars and adorned her walls with their pictures.

Always a hard worker, she earned her 5¢ tickets working at the local café. Too small at age 9 to reach the sink, she stood on soda crates to do the dishes. By the time she was 12 she was the weekend short order cook.

Penny loved to cook, but more than that, she loved to feed people. In addition to the café, she worked at the small zoo on the outskirts of town and it was there that her lifelong love of animals was born.

Penny grew up sharing a special bond with her sister, Jeananne, and cousin, Barb. They played together as kids, caused mischief as teens, went through marriages, children, divorce and death. They meant everything to each other.

Penny graduated from Hill City (S.D.) High School in 1963. Later, that same year, she married William “Billy” Trapp. Together they would have two daughters, Talisa and Petrina. Later, she and Bill would part ways and Penny would move to north Idaho where she became a surrogate mother to a third daughter, Margie.

In 1984 Penny took a summer cook job at a remote fishing lodge in Alaska. She kept her guests fed and happy and, for years after, they would send her cards and gifts.

After five summers and one face-to-face encounter with a grizzly bear Penny hung up her apron. Once home, she became the manager and later administrator of assisted living homes. She enjoyed caring for the elderly and was proud of her accomplishments there.

Always one to strike up a conversation, Penny had a lot of friends in town, including a local barber named George Inglis, who she later fell for and married on April 20, 1991. The two of them spent their days gardening, landscaping, camping, visiting with friends and family and raising bulldogs.

Not one to sit still, Penny also enjoyed serving samples at Costco. A fitting job as she never let anyone leave anywhere empty handed.

The golden years were a struggle for Penny as a failed hip surgery left her with chronic pain and limited mobility. But, as she had so many times before, she refused to give up. Her strength, courage and stubbornness were undeniable, no stronger woman ever lived.

So, as you think of Penny, please remember her kindness and pass it on. Be generous, compassionate and strong. Tell people you love them. Be bold, colorful and always match your earrings with your outfit.

Surrounded by the love of her family, Penny passed away Sept. 28, 2023. She was 79.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frenchie and Florence Tyler; husband, George Inglis; brother, Mark Tyler; cousin, Barbara Burgeson;  sister, Jeananne Wannamaker; and stepson, Tom Rose.

Penny is survived by her daughters, Talisa (Mike) Peukert, Petrina (Don) Spellman and Marge McElver; stepchildren, Mary, George (Heidi), Linda, Rebecca (DW) and Theresa (Dean); grandchildren, Tifanie, Grace, Chris, Kaitlyn, Emily and Willy; multiple great-grandchildren; lifelong best friend Jeannie Haakinson; and lots of extended family and friends.

Services will be held at Coeur d’Alene English Funeral Chapel (Idaho) Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. At Penny’s request, please wear bright colors. 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Reception to follow at The Lake City Senior Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive Coeur d’Alene, at 1 p.m.

Visit Penny’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at englishfuneralchapel.com