Penny Sue (Nee) Flowers

I was born in the Ferry County Hospital in Republic Washington to Tommie and Joyce Nee on October 8th, 1952. A few days later my Daddy and Mom took me on the most amazing car drive of my life. I couldn't see very well, but I remember the feelings filling the car ...beautiful. The car was full of hope, dreams, laughter, smiles, pride, happiness and so much love. The blend of emotions was comforting and safe. We drove down the beautiful San Poil Valley to the south end of Ferry County, to a small cattle ranch, one mile south of the Keller store and there it was HOME.  I got to meet for the first time, my Grandpa Tom and Gramma Nee, my big brother, David and older sister, Linda. What a wonderful place to call home and grow up. There was so much to see and do. The horses, cows, bummer calves, chickens, pigs, puppies and kittens and laughter and love. Sunday dinner at Grandma's, car rides up in the mountains, staying in the Swawilla basin in the summers, raising crops for our animals, exploring Meadow Creek and Tom's mountain. Picking wildflowers for grandma, riding horses every day, listening to 78 records in the evening and Mom reading to us every night. It was a magical time I will always cherish. Eight years later, the next portion of our family was added; sister Ruby, brother Tom and another brother, Mike. Our house was filling up and growing. Four years later, we welcomed three more siblings; brother Les, sister Jody and brother Jamie. What a crew we had! 

I attended Keller Grade school with my best friend Dianne, who is still my best friend to this day. Our Keller 8th grade class was the last 8th grade class to graduate from Keller as it went to a 1-6 grade after that. After graduation in Keller, I attended High School at Wilbur High School, graduating in 1970. After graduation, I enrolled in the dental program at Kinman Business University in Spokane, WA. After graduation I returned home to Keller and went to work for Indian Health Service in the dental clinic in Nespelem, WA. I met my best friends there. Dalene, Colleen Cherie and Jolene. Then came along Pete and Louie who will always be my girls. I transferred to the USBR in 1980, working in the science lab and Geology. I met many nice, kind people there. In 1986, I returned to the dental field, accepting a position in Ketchikan Alaska.  A wonderful experience, working in Ketchikan and out in the bush. Such a beautiful place. In 1990, I transferred to Salem Oregon and then back home to Nespelem. In 1997, I left the dental program and became the medical coder for the clinic. I was fortunate to love both of my positions at IHS.  In 2007 I proudly retired from government service with 36 years of service.

In 1990 the best thing that ever happened to me HAPPENED! I found my best friend and the love of my life, John. We moved in together and were married in 1995 at the Longhouse just outside of Keller in the San Poil Valley. We made our home in Grand Coulee, WA and had the best life. After retirement we took a few weeks and traveled the states, putting a toe in all contiguous 48 states, DC and Alaska. We then decided to try being snowbirds and loved it. Riding out in the desert every day in our little Tracker, seeing desert tortoise, big horn sheep, mountain goats, deer, wild burros, roadrunners and coyotes. It was a blast. Especially being able to go with wonderful people; Harlan, Cheryl and Audrey and John, all hailing from the beautiful Yukon Territory. Night fires and stories and tons of laughter - 14 years of fun! But the best trip was always when we headed home. And that's where I am headed now. To join all my loved ones who went before me. My grandma and grandpa Maycumber, Mom's wonderful parents, my grandma and grandpa Nee, daddy's parents, my younger brother, Les, all of Mom's kind and loving siblings who were her everything, Uncle Hugh, my god dad, Uncle Donnie, Aunt Phyllis, Aunt Nellie, my godmother, uncle David and Uncle Gilbert. My Daddy was an only child, so I picked his 2 favorite cousins, Sybil and Leola and made them my Aunts. Aunt Sybil was my Matron of honor at my wedding and what an honor it was. When I get home, I will be able to connect with so many friends that went before me...my idols Kathleen Burke, Bernie e Kuehne, my second Mom, Bonnie Wood. This family was always there for me when I needed them most. Thank you, Janice. I love you so much. If you need me, I will either be playing cards with, as Aunt Nellie would say, " the whole darn bunch", or calling Cherie D and telling her, "Load up, we're going on a road trip, you drive and I will co- pilot!" My biggest regret is leaving my loving, caring best friend, lover, dreamer and husband, John, our beautiful family Josh, Jaleen, Steven, Bobcat and my beautiful baby girl Shaleese. 

At my request there will be no services, and a private burial has taken place. Please be kind to each other and if you can, please help an animal who needs it for me. Thank you all for your love and support over the years and to anyone that I may have hurt or upset, I am truly sorry. Oh, and Okandogs in Cashmere is amazing and can always use your help. I'm off to kick the soccer ball around for Winston. Enjoy life! l love you all.

Bergh Funeral Service & Crematory is in care of arrangements.