Ellen M. Penner, 90, of Hutchinson, passed away November 8, 2024, at Pleasant View Home, Inman. She was born April 10, 1934, in Hutchinson, the daughter of Rolley Lee and Mable Justine (Houghton) Dale.

Ellen graduated from Buhler High School and Hutchinson Community College with a medical transcription degree.

She was the first female police officer in Hutchinson, serving from 1954-1958. In addition, Ellen was the owner of Penner Sewing Service for several years.  After graduating college, Ellen worked for Dr. Bos as his transcriptionist. She then had the opportunity to become a representative for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and was based in Winfield. Later in life, Ellen worked for Imperial Vending, Hutchinson.

Ellen was a member of Westside Baptist Church, Hutchinson and serving on the mission's team.

She was united in marriage to Carl C. Penner on May 25, 1952, in Hutchinson. Carl passed away from a terminal illness on January 6, 1975.

Surviving are: her sons, Arlan (Brenda) Penner of Hutchinson and Steve (Dawn) Penner of Seagoville, TX; grandchildren, Jaime Cox, Ryan Lee (Charline), Amanda Hewett (Shane), Dustin Penner (Makayla), Jeffrey Penner (Tiffany), Kristen Westbrook (Patrick), Kayla Owen (Caleb), and Sierra Penner (Jay Turner); and great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kelsey, Preston, Brynlee, Luke, Lily, Skylar, Brooklyn, Jordan, Amelia, Olivia, and Amora.

Ellen was preceded in death by: her parents; husband Carl Penner; siblings, Albert, Johnny, Ira, Nellie, and Lena; and daughters, Luann G. Lee of Hutchinson and Elaine J. Anderson of Seattle, WA.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Tim Adrian officiating.  Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.  The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.

Click here to view Ellen's Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.