Penny was born on Oct 30, 1957, at Jay County Hospital in Portland, Indiana to Kenneth Leon Ballard and Ruth Evelyn Hess Ballard. She graduated from Jay County High School in 1976, then worked at many companies during her years including: Jay Randolf Developmental Services, Youth Service Bureau, one trucking company, and in several accounting positions.

Penny married Joseph Bishop in 1989 and had one son with him: Mark Joseph (Joey) Bishop, Jr., who was born in 1991. She later divorced Joseph and met Garth Ashcraft in 1998. Garth and Penny courted and were married in January 2000.

Penny loved her cats and dogs. She enjoyed selling produce out of the back of her car. Penny had a gift for taking care of her beloved indoor flowers and reveled in gardening. She loved car rides with Garth - even when he scared her half to death with his choice of destinations. She found much joy in visiting and ministering to people in her ward. She loved cooking, candy making, as well as arts and crafts. She was a friend to all. She was loving, a kind soul, firm but gentle, humble, artistic, and a creator.

Penny passed away on Tuesday evening, November 7, 2023, in Idaho Falls, Idaho due to health complications.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents: Kenneth and Ruth; brothers: Darrell Ballard and David Ballard; and stepson Kimball Ashcraft. She is survived by her husband, a son, 2 brothers and 2 sisters, 1 granddaughter, and a daughter-in-law.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 13th in Dubois, Idaho.  Services may be viewed by visiting www.flammfh.com and going to the link under her obituary.  Interment will be in the Small Cemetery.

Service will be broadcasted at: https://my.gather.app/remember/penny-ashcraft