Penny L. Kemp, 67, of Middletown, died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.
Born on Aug. 27, 1957, in Burlington. She was the daughter of Lowell “Bud” and Delories “Dee” Woodall Helmick. On Nov. 7, 1986, in Burlington, she married Michael G. Kemp.
Penny was in the class of 1975 from Keokuk Senior High School. Her first job was working at Steve’s A&W Root Beer Stand. She was a certified ceramics instructor and also worked for Dee’s Ceramics in Keokuk. Penny loved bowling, dancing, making crafts and motorcycle rides. She always looked forward to the yearly hayrack rides every fall at her aunt and uncle’s house. Her biggest joy was seeing her grandchildren. Most of all Penny loved being with her family and friends, enjoying an ice-cold beer.
She is survived by her husband Mike; four children: Sherry (Paul) Crow of West Burlington, Jason Roberts, Michelle (Scott) Olmstead and Nicole (Keith) Craft all of Burlington; ten grandchildren: Jesse (Gina) Pachicano, Joseph (Toni) Mecum, Jami (Chad) Mecum, Baylee Crow, Kurt Crow, Lukas (Ashlee) Kemp, Khlowee Roberts, Caydence Craft, Quenton Kemp and Kyle Craft; sister Connie Long of Burlington and brother Kevin Helmick of Keokuk. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Woodall; parents; siblings: Candy Ryan, Kathy Murray and Jerry Topper.
Per her wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A Celebration of Life will be held 12 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 at The Moose Lodge in Burlington, Iowa. Inurnment will be held in Burlington Memorial Park at a later date.
A memorial has been established in her memory.