Obituary for Penny Jo Gay
Penny Jo Danek Gay, 49, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on March 6, 2021 at her home. Penny was born on June 13, 1972 in Battle Creek to Jack and Jane Danek. She attended Battle Creek Public Schools, graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1990. While attending BBCHS, she was a member of the marching band flag corps. She was an avid floor hockey player. Playing the central position; first with the Coburn School Sub Zero Team and then with a traveling team, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Her teams were undefeated.
Penny married Robert Gay in 1993. They had a daughter, Sara Nicole, in 1995. The marriage ended in divorce. She was employed at Upjohn’s/Pfizer/Zoetis of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
She enjoyed kayaking in the summer and could be found at the lakes in Fort Custer and on the Kalamazoo River. A lover of animals, Penny enjoyed ‘Big Cat Rescue’ from Florida. She knew all of the big cat’s names from the TV show and traveled to Florida to see them in real life.
Penny loved her family, especially her daughter, Sara. She was a friend to everyone she met. She had a very close relationship with her sisters and brother. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins were a big part of her life.
Penny is survived by her daughter, Sara (Jallen) Johnson of Battle Creek; sisters, Michelle (Billy) Holder of Battle Creek and Lori Danek of Jackson, Michigan; brother, George ‘Chuck’ (Patty) Danek of Battle Creek; parents, Jack and Jane Danek of Battle Creek.
In accordance with Penny’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd., on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm.
Penny married Robert Gay in 1993. They had a daughter, Sara Nicole, in 1995. The marriage ended in divorce. She was employed at Upjohn’s/Pfizer/Zoetis of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
She enjoyed kayaking in the summer and could be found at the lakes in Fort Custer and on the Kalamazoo River. A lover of animals, Penny enjoyed ‘Big Cat Rescue’ from Florida. She knew all of the big cat’s names from the TV show and traveled to Florida to see them in real life.
Penny loved her family, especially her daughter, Sara. She was a friend to everyone she met. She had a very close relationship with her sisters and brother. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins were a big part of her life.
Penny is survived by her daughter, Sara (Jallen) Johnson of Battle Creek; sisters, Michelle (Billy) Holder of Battle Creek and Lori Danek of Jackson, Michigan; brother, George ‘Chuck’ (Patty) Danek of Battle Creek; parents, Jack and Jane Danek of Battle Creek.
In accordance with Penny’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a family memorial service will be held at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Rd., on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm.