Penny Sheets

Obituary for Penelope Lynn Sheets
Penelope “Penny” Lynn Sheets, born September 27, 1945, in Sedro Woolley, Washington, passed away
on March 29, 2026, after a long and full life rooted in family, hard work, and community.
She was the daughter of William “Eddie” Parker and Jean (Elving) Parker, and sister to Donna (Parker)
Nations and James Parker.
At just six months old, Penny moved to Mapleton, Oregon, where she was lovingly raised by her Aunt
Hazel (Parker) Cope and Uncle Firman “Red” Cope. Her childhood was spent along the Oregon Coast,
where she attended school in Mapleton, Coos Bay, and Port Orford, experiencing life in close connection
with the logging communities that shaped her early years.
In October 1968, Penny moved to John Day, Oregon—a place she would call home for the rest of her life.
Though she often joked about how she thought she might “freeze to death” during her first winter, she
adapted and grew to love the area and made it her permanent home.
Penny married Steve Waggoner in 1963, and later married Tom Sheets on November 26, 1969, who
preceded her in death. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community. She is
survived by her children: Cara Chiaratti (Ray Chiaratti) of Garden Valley, California; Ron Waggoner
(Carol Waggoner) of Prairie City, Oregon; Dennis Waggoner (Christy Waggoner) of Prairie City, Oregon;
and Daniel Sheets of Chehalis, Washington. Penny was proud of her large and loving family, including 17
grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren all of whom brought her immense
joy and pride.
While raising her sons, Penny devoted herself to her home and family. She also worked as a bookkeeper
for Audrey Badley, at the Fabric Store and Prairie Maid in John Day, and served as secretary for Sheets
Logging Inc., where she kept the books, piled brush, and assisted her husband Tom with logging bids.
Penny had a vibrant personality and a wide range of interests and talents. She loved cooking, canning,
crocheting, sewing, playing cards, Yahtzee, fishing, hunting and mushrooming. She especially enjoyed
spending time outdoors—whether in the woods or soaking up the sunshine. A naturally competitive and
athletic spirit, she excelled in bowling, golfing, and women’s softball. She was also a Can Can girl during
the ’62 Days Celebration in 1969 and was a dedicated member of the John Day Golf Course for over fifty
years.
A passionate sports fan, Penny cheered faithfully for the Oregon Ducks and the Seattle Seahawks. She
was also known for her famous pickled asparagus, generously shared with family and friends—with the
firm expectation that the jars be returned.
Penny was direct, independent, and known for speaking her mind. Her home was always open—a
gathering place for family and friends alike. Above all else, her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment
was her family. Penny will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, honesty, humor,
and unwavering love for those that mattered to her.

Honoring her wishes, no formal services will be held at this time. Penny "didn't want a fuss”. A
Celebration of Life will be held on April 25th, 5:00 p.m. at the John Day Golf Course.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the John Day Golf Course in her memory: Grant County
Golf Foundation, PO Box 176, John Day, OR 97845 or the Carrie Young Memorial, PO Box 192, John
Day, OR 97845. Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com