Penny Bearden

Penny Marie Bearden, 52, of Ashley, MI.  beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and teacher left her earthly home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. She was born to Owen and Jeanne Drummond on October 7, 1968. She always made a terrific impact on all that came into contact with her. She was born, lived and died with a determination of strength and loyalty to all those she knew and loved.

It was her desire from a very young child to be a teacher. She taught for many years at Fulton Schools. As a young girl she "recepted" (her words as a child) Jesus as her Savior during Vacation Bible School when Uncle Bob Beery was a young man.

She went to Ashley Schools and graduated with the class of 1987 and then went on to Central Michigan University to get her teaching credentials and thus began her life in the real world. She married Samuel Bearden on February 16, 1991. To this marriage Troy S. Bearden was born. Penny was truly a "Mama Bear" in the raising of her son. She wanted him prepared for an advanced education and she helped and encouraged him to establish his own home in Mississippi where he is a Welding Engineer.

As a wife she was a great helper to her husband in the pool and spa business that they own and operate near Alma, MI. Penny was always a giver and would apologize profusely to everyone when she had a real need and required help. She only learned in the last two weeks to accept help from others. Penny always had a sense of humor no matter what was going on in her life. She could do anything that she set her mind to do. She was a great cook and a very good organizer. Making special candies and giving them away at Christmas was one of her joys. Penny has been affiliated with the Autism Society of Michigan for 18 years and is currently president of the board.

Penny leaves behind her husband Sam, son Troy, mother and father Owen and Jeanne Drummond, brother Jim and Angie Drummond and their seven children: Noah, Aaron, Logan, Elise, Lane, Mason and Natalie. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles Jerry and Margie Drummond, Dean and Vicki Parling, Ron and Sheryl Parling, and Amy Conley and 4 first cousins. She leaves many good friends of which Mary Zudema, Amy and Zach Baker and Cathy Gladstone were some of her closest and most dependable friends. She will be missed by many and has made a lot of impressions on various individuals through out her 52 years.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 1:00 P.M.  on Friday, May 21, 2021,  with Pastor Jeff Reser officiating. Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI. The service will be live streamed on the Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Memorials may be made to the Penny Bearden Memorial fund through Fulton Schools. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.