Penny Kay Vandenhout

Penny Kay VanDenHout, cherished grandmother, dedicated teacher, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at the age of 78, surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and adventure. Penny was preceded in death by her parents, brother David Graham, and son Levi VanDenHout. She was a devoted mother to Scott (Melanie) VanDenHout, Sean (Madeleine) VanDenHout, and Levi (Stacey) VanDenHout, and an adoring grandmother to Ashley (Anthony) Olivares, Lauren VanDenHout, Julia VanDenHout, T.J. VanDenHout, Paige VanDenHout, and Kara VanDenHout. She is survived by her sister Patricia (Leonard) Engels and her brother Gerald (Paula) Graham. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren Lincoln and Arabella Olivares, nieces, nephews, and many friends who became family. Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in her role as a mother and grandmother. Born in Charlevoix, MI, Penny was the daughter of James and Elsie (Brisch) Graham. She graduated from Godwin Heights High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College, followed by a Master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Her passion for literature spanned both her academic pursuits and her lifelong love of reading. In her free time, Penny adored exploring the outdoors through camping. Her best memories were often made around campfires, hiking trails, and scenic landscapes. Her deep passion for the outdoors was contagious, and she never hesitated to share her appreciation for nature and its simple pleasures with family and friends. At home, Penny was known for her great enthusiasm for board and card games, which brought her family together for many evenings of fun and laughter. Her competitive spirit and love for these games created cherished traditions and unforgettable moments. Penny was also an avid knitter and gardener, finding solace and creativity in these hobbies. One of her greatest joys was decorating for Halloween and Christmas. No one had more decorations than she did. Her home was always a magical place during these holidays, filled with festive decorations that brought smiles to all who saw them. She had a knack for creating enchanting holiday displays that were a highlight for her neighbors, friends, and family alike. Her Halloween decorations were delightfully spooky, and her Christmas decorations were filled with the warmth and joy of the season. A passionate educator, Penny spent over two decades as an elementary school teacher, inspiring young minds and fostering a love of learning in her students. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, creativity, and discovery, especially around all things concerning space, the stars, and NASA. She made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and was deeply cherished by her students and colleagues. The family will greet friends Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, 13603 Northland Dr. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. There will be no formal funeral service. A private family memorial gathering will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown MD 21741, a cause close to her heart.