Penny Deanne Baier (Phillips) passed peacefully on March 10, 2025, with her devoted husband, Fred, holding her hand.

Penny was born on March 9, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Floyd Sherman Phillips and Beulah Lucille Phillips (Schneider). Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Yelm, Washington, where she grew up with her older sister Joanie, younger sister Mitzi, and younger brother Robin. Yelm in the 1940’s and 1950’s was a very special place for her and her family. Penny attended the United Methodist Church with her extended family, including her aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and often reminisced about what a wonderful era it was to be a child.

Penny graduated from Yelm High School in 1960. Her favorite activities were drill team and the “pink kittens” club. She loved Yelm High School, so much so that in the decades after she would often be heard singing the school fight song, “On Tornados.” She met some of her lifelong best friends in those days, friendships she would forever cherish.

After graduating high school, she moved to Olympia and attended business school. In 1961, she started working for the State of Washington, where she met her future mother-in-law, Marcene Smith Godding. Fred and Penny had their first date at Kings Drive-In in downtown Olympia. The two would marry on November 28, 1964, move to the Steamboat Island area, and establish their first home on Ruhl Road. Penny always had a soft spot for all animals, and before long, she and Fred found themselves running a small farm with cows, chickens, pigs, and goats, among others.

A decade after their marriage, they brought their daughter, Kari, home from the hospital followed soon thereafter by their son, Kris. Penny took time away from her career at the Department of Revenue to focus on raising her children, a role she embraced with unwavering love and dedication.

Penny was known for her steadfast commitment to her family. She embodied kindness, love, and gentleness, setting a true example of what it means to be a caring and supportive mother. She also had a zany, silly, and fun side with an excellent sense of humor.

She is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Fred, and their children, Katharine Hanson and Kristopher Baier, as well as three grandchildren, Ian, Brice, and Lily Belle. She was preceded in death by her older sister, Joanne Eager, and is survived by her younger sister, Mitzi Haddon, and younger brother, Robin Phillips. Penny also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends who will forever hold her memory close.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund in Penny’s memory.

A service will be announced at a future date. 

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