Patricia Gail Penn

Patricia Penn ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Locust Grove Funeral Home - Locust Grove on Mar. 16, 2026.Patricia Gail "Pat" Penn, also lovingly called "Mom," passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Chouteau, Oklahoma, at the age of 80 years and 18 days. She was born on February 23, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to James Sanford Collette and Joyce Lavern (Tugmon) Collette.Pat spent her childhood years living in various places across the country, though she grew up primarily in the Mayes County area, including Chouteau and Pryor. She attended schools in several communities, including Cave Springs near Locust Grove, Locust Grove, Pryor, Oklahoma, and Houston, Texas. She later earned her GED and continued her education with business courses at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Pat was united in marriage to Bryant Delmar Kreckel, who preceded her in death on February 25, 1998. Throughout her life, she made her home in Locust Grove, Oklahoma City, Houston, and Pryor, where she lived from 1971 until 2020, before moving to Chouteau.Pat was a dedicated worker who took pride in every role she held. Pat worked for 10 years as a maintenance secretary at Whitaker State Children's Home in Pryor. She also served as the American Legion secretary, bartender, and even the unofficial "bouncer" for over a decade. In addition, she worked for 10 years at Circle K in Pryor and later in the bakery at Homeland, where she retired in 2011. A woman of strong faith, Pat was a member of Salina First Baptist Church. She loved attending Bible study and sharing her belief in Jesus with others. Pat often expressed that the greatest love she ever experienced was when she met Jesus, and she wanted everyone to know that same love. She would remind others that Jesus truly loves them and encouraged all to come to know Him. Her family and friends will miss her daily but find comfort in knowing she is now eternally home.Pat lived life to the fullest and found joy in simple pleasures. She loved family poker games, bingo, painting, crafting, attending parties, and working crossword puzzles. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy as well as scrapbooking, bird watching, sewing, and taking shopping trips to Wal-Mart. She especially loved gospel music, with Elvis and Dolly among her favorites. She was also a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Pat also had a knack for fixing things and rearranging furniture. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and was known for planning annual family reunions.Pat will be remembered as fun-loving, giving, and having just the right amount of bossy. She was known for her familiar saying, "Since you were up…," and for her role as the "Mob Queen" and unofficial boss at Meadowbrook Nursing Home, where she made a lasting impression on staff and residents alike. Her family's motto, inspired by Pat, is "Get'r done by this Friday, so believe in Jesus today, amen!" Pat's presence will be deeply missed, but her love, faith, and vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.Pat is survived by her loving family: 1 son: Virgil "Bubba" Penn and wife Kristyn of Pryor, Oklahoma; 2 daughters: Bobbie Back and husband Tony of Salina and Joyce Kelso and husband Paul of Vinita, Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren: Jenna, Justin and wife Lyndey, Dalton and wife Ashton, Sarah and husband Dylan, James, and Kalen and husband Jon; 5 great grandchildren: Greyson, Ryker, Ridge, Shepherd, and Lucas; 1 sister: Judy Coshatt of Texas; 1 brother: Bo Collette of Oklahoma; Pat also leaves behind many who she counted as family, including: Willy, her beautician of over 40 years; Natalie, her first caregiver; all of the Meadowbrook staff including: Janice, Janessa, Lori, Leah, Michelle, Marvin, Rodney, Rose, Stormy, Sherri, Ashley, amongst others; Little Pat with her lunch bell; as well as many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews;She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Sandy Collette; and her sister, Linda Kelley.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Meadowbrook Nursing Home in Chouteau, Oklahoma, with Brother Tony Back officiating. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Pryor, Oklahoma. Cremation services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.