Penny Faith Ayer

Penny Faith Ayer, age 70, of Hampden, Maine, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 5, 1955, in Galion, Ohio, the daughter of Julian and Lou (Pennington) Trosper.

Penny was a proud graduate of Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where she earned degrees in English and History. She spent the early years of her career teaching English at Barbourville High School, sharing her love of literature with her students for ten years. She later served as station manager at KD Country for five years before reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Bruce. They married, and she moved to Maine in 1999, beginning a new chapter that brought Penny great joy.

Shortly after moving, Penny joined Lighthouse Radio WHCF 88.5 as an on-air host—a role she held for more than twenty years. Her warm voice, natural kindness, and genuine interest in people helped her form many lasting friendships throughout her time at the station, touching countless lives with her faith and compassion.

Penny and Bruce were members of Bangor Baptist Church for many years, where their shared faith guided the way they served others. After praying for direction, they were invited by the church to become facilitators of Encouragers, a divorce support outreach group. Using the DivorceCare program and learning alongside those they served, Penny and Bruce walked with hundreds of individuals through the challenges of divorce over more than a decade. Through this ministry, they formed many meaningful friendships—several of which became lifelong.

Penny loved horses and spent many happy hours on trail rides in her younger years. She also delighted in exploring the coast of Maine with Bruce and with the dear friends who enriched her life. Her faith was central to who she was, reflected in her gentleness, her gratitude, and the way she encouraged others through Scripture and prayer.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers Julian (Shirley) Trosper and Carl (Linda) Trosper; and her beloved niece, Michelle (Trosper) Chaffman.

Penny is survived by her husband of almost 26 years, Bruce; her sons Rawley (Jessica) Rhinehart and Thomas (Amanda) Rhinehart; and her cherished grandchildren Charlotte (Charley) Rhinehart, Greyson Rhinehart, Isabella Bertolino, and Ruby Bertolino. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as dear friends who became like family—Dan and Georgina, Paul and Sandy, David and Eve, and Dawna and Eric. In her final year, she was tenderly cared for by her caregiver, Tatiana, for whom the family is deeply grateful.

A service for nearby family and friends will be held on December 27 at 1:00 p.m. at East Eddington Community Church, 1410 Main Rd, Eddington, ME 04428. A larger, public celebration of Penny’s life will be held next spring or summer at Crosspoint Church in Bangor, with details to be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Lighthouse Radio Network WHCF 88.5,  in honor of her heart for ministry and encouragement. (Lighthouse Radio Network, 1476 Broadway, Bangor, Maine 04401. lighthouseradionetwork.com)

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