Montezuma -Our mother and grandmother, Elsie Betty Penner Nightengale was born to Fred and Anna (Eck) Penner on April 3, 1922 at Isabella, Oklahoma. She peacefully passed away at Bethel Home in Montezuma on April 13, 2013 reaching the age of 91 years.

Her growing up years were spent with her parents and nine brothers and sisters in the Isabella community, where she also received her education. She was the last one living of her family.

In her early years, she gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, remaining faithful to those vows until the end. Her conversion experience meant much to her.

On April 21, 1946, she was united in marriage to Harlan Nightengale of Fairview, Oklahoma, sharing the joys and sorrows of life for sixty-two years. Two daughters and four sons were born to this union. Dad passed away on April 20, 2008, leaving her very lonely.

Mother was a kind and loving mother to us children. She was a very busy and resourceful person, sewing our clothes, gardening, and canning to help make ends meet. She also helped Dad on the farm and with the dairy. She loved to make quilts and go to sewing.

Our parents' deepest heartaches were when they lost their twin sons, Warren and Lauren, in separate accidents.

In 2002, Dad and Mother went to live with their daughter Rita, at Walker, Missouri. In August of 2005, they moved to Bethel Home in Montezuma. They very much appreciated the loving care they received from Rita and the Bethel Home staff.

Mothers' faithful Christian life, her patience, acceptance, and uncomplaining spirit during her last illness with cancer was an inspriation to us. We believe she is at rest with the Lord and we look forward to meeting her again.

Those left to cherish memories are: two daughters, Rita Schmidt of Harwood, Missouri and Linda Sue Isaac and husband John of Montezuma; two sons, Lyndon Nightengale of Fairview, Oklahoma and Jon Nightengale and wife Debbie of Bentonville, Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Waunita and husband Philip Toews of Colcord, Oklahoma; 11 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Irene Nightengale of Fairview, Oklahoma and Betty Unruh and husband Gordon of Greensburg; two brothers-in-law, Marvin Nightengale and wife JoAnn of Century, Florida and John Nightengale of Fairview, Oklahoma. In addition to her husband, Harlan, she is preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Warren and Lauren Nightengale; one son-in-law, Lennis Schmidt; four brothers, Eli, Frank, John, and Fred Penner; and five sisters, Frances Boehs, Esther Boehs, Annie Nichols, Lena Koehn, and Ruby Boehs.

Funeral service will be held at Fairview Mennonite Church in Fairview, Oklahoma on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM with Minister Randy Levings presiding. Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery in Fairview. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma from 9:00 AM to noon on Monday April 15, 2013 and at Bethel Home in Montezuma from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie or Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.