Pennie Nichols Ranzetta, beloved wife, mother, sister, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, went home to be with her Lord on July 13, 2026, following a long illness that she bore with remarkable grace and courage. She was 67 years old.
Pennie was born on September 7, 1958, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. A gifted engineer, she began her career at CPC International in Argo, Illinois, where she traveled the country programming the computer control systems that ran manufacturing plants — a fearless young woman who broke into a male dominated field. She was as comfortable talking with plant operators as with upper management. It was at the company Christmas party on December 10, 1982, that she met a fellow engineer named Paul D. Ranzetta, who gave her the snowman centerpiece he had won at their table. She agreed to go Christmas shopping with him, and the rest was history. They were married soon after, choosing 1 Corinthians 13 as their wedding scripture, and every December 10 the snowman came back out to mark the day it all began. After the birth of their first child, Joseph, Pennie devoted herself fully to her family, raising three children with boundless love, energy, and wisdom.
Pennie’s faith was the foundation of her life. A devout Christian and faithful member of Crestwood Christian Church, she lived out the Gospel in countless quiet ways. Each year she packed shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child — 523 of them in 2019 alone — thoughtfully gathering toys, tools, and school supplies all year long so that children she would never meet might know they were loved. She also held positions of leadership in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Vacation Bible School. Her favorite blessing was from Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Those who knew Pennie will remember her genuine awareness of people, their children, and their interests. They will remember her fearlessness and quick mind: she once helped stop a runaway car on Telegraph Road and there was hardly anything she could not fix with determination and a little research. Above all, they will remember her generous, encouraging spirit, summed up in her two favorite sayings: “Go team, we can do this!” and “Thumbs up.”
Pennie spent her last full day consoling others, telling them God loved them, and longed to hear about the adventures they would go on. Her last words were “Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”. True to her giving heart, even in death Pennie gave to others, donating parts of her body to help save the lives of others.
Pennie is survived by her loving husband, Paul D. Ranzetta; her children, Paul J. Ranzetta, Clara A. Ranzetta, and Samuel C. Ranzetta; and her siblings, Tony (Jani) Nichols, David Nichols, Lisa (Michael) Juelfs, John Nichols, Becky (Nathan) Roberts.
The visitation will be on Friday, July 24th from 5 PM- 7 PM. The Visitation is at Kutis Funeral Home at 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129. The following day (Saturday July 25th) the Funeral starts at 11 AM at Crestwood Christian Church at 11750 Eddie and Park Road, St. Louis, MO 63126. After the service Pennie will be buried at St. Lucas Cemetery at 11735 Denny Road, St. Louis, MO 63126. Then everyone is welcome to come back to the church for a Mexican Fiesta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crestwood Christian Church. Pennie also requested that her funeral be a bright celebration of life. Please wear bright colors and particularly those with a Christian message and/or flowers.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13
My heartfelt condolences and blessings to the family. I attended Waynesville HS with Pennie, and we played tennis in the summer. I remember she was very sweet and intelligent. May God comfort you during this time.
My heart goes out to you all at this time. It’s been many years since I last saw her but she still has that unmistakable smile.
My condolences to you all.
Kelly Mock
El Paso, TX
Pennie is one of the most precious and sweetest ladies I have ever known. So full of wisdom and knowledge. Wonderful good memories.
Prayers and hugs to all her family.
Paul and family and Lisa and family: George and I were so saddened to hear about Penny. What a loss, she was quite a wonderful person. We have the sweetest memory of Penny. She visited George and I in the pre op waiting room when George was having parathyroid surgery several years ago. She was standing in the doorway and the first thing she said , with her arms wide open was “what the heck is a parathyroid”. We always laugh about that. Heaven just got quite a special person. We pray God is holding each of you close during this difficult time.
Such a wonderful, caring lady. Always had a kind and uplifting word when talking to Pennie. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. God received a good one. Keeping your family in our prayers.
It has been many years since I last saw Pennie, but mourn her passing just the same. My condolences to her family.