Florence Stebbins-Penrod, 101

Florence (nee Miller), born Nov. 15, 1922, in Kalispell, passed away July 12, 2024, at her home in Homer, Alaska at 101 years of age.

Florence was raised on a farm in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School in 1940. While in High School, Florence was active in many clubs and organizations, spending her summers working at Glacier Park Lodge. During WWII, she served in the Cadet Nurse Corps and with her sister Margaret worked at Lockheed in Los Angeles, fabricating parts for the XP38 Lightning.

After WWII, Florence married Larry Drew from Somers, the couple divorcing in 1949. Divorced with two small children, Florence then married Kalispell resident George R. "Dick" Stebbins in 1951. The couple met on a blind date, set up by her sister Margaret. Dick arrived at the farm, knocked on the door and called out "Fuller Brush Man," a common door-to-door sales figure at the time. Florence opened the door, said "We don’t want any!" and slammed the door in his face. After that inauspicious beginning, the marriage lasted 45 years until Dick's death in 1996.

Moving to Alaska in 1953, Florence was known for her love of Sandhill cranes, amazing chocolate chip cookies and her generous, nurturing spirit. With two more children born in Alaska, Florence was the mother everyone wanted to have.

In 2001, Florence married Harold Penrod, also originally from Kalispell. They were a joy to watch, in their 80’s and so much in love.

She was preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Orva Miller, siblings Thelma Close, Margaret Penrod and Fred Miller and husbands George Stebbins and Harold Penrod. 

She is survived her children Steve Drew (Homer, Alaska), Kathi Drew (Homer, Alaska), Aleta Stebbins (Wasilla, Alaska), Lesa (Stebbins) Klancher (Anchorage, Alaska), eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Half of Florence's ashes were spread in Alaska, with the remaining half to be interred beside her beloved Harold at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, noon, Oct. 7, 2024. 

"Age is a state of mind, and you can choose to be in whatever state you want to be in." Florence Stebbins-Penrod.