Penny Elaine Simpson Roche

May 6, 1946 – April 1, 2025

Penny Elaine Simpson Roche, beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born in Glendale, California, she was the only child of Maurice Irving and Sue Ellen Simpson. She attended Box Elder High School, graduating in 1964. That same year, Penny met the love of her life, Maurice Marion Roche, on a blind date she hadn’t realized she had. One look, and they both knew—they had found the one. Just three months later, on December 18, 1964, they were married. Their love only deepened over the years, and on June 7, 1980, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

Together, Penny and Maurice built a beautiful life and raised six cherished children: sons Paul, Kelly, Kerry (Amy), and Anthony, and daughters Tara (Shaun Ferguson) and Darla (Ryan) Flynn. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was a devoted Nana to her grandchildren: Georgia (Jamie), Stacy, Ryan Jr., Quinn, Jordan (Leilani), Braden, McKinsey (Ricky), Elijah, Aibhlin, Brennen, Bellamy, Kennion, and Amaryllis, as well as her great-grandchildren: Aayden, Kharter, Kyler, Paxton, Everleigh, and Hudson. She is also survived by her dear sister, Carol Holland.

For many years, Penny and Maurice owned and operated Roche & Sons Disposal in Layton until their retirement in 1999. They then settled in Perry, where Penny spent the rest of her days surrounded by the family she adored. A woman of deep faith, Penny was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings throughout her life.

Creative and artistic, Penny had a love for writing poetry, cooking, and crocheting. She had recently expressed a desire to return to many of these beloved hobbies. She was also passionate about genealogy and took great joy in restoring old family photographs, preserving history for generations to come.

Penny had a boundless affection for all the creatures of God’s creation. Whether rescuing strays, doting on family pets, or simply marveling at nature’s beauty, she found deep joy in their presence and shared that love with everyone around her. No animal was too small, too wild, or too ordinary to be loved by her, and she cared for each with the same warmth and kindness she showed to the people in her life.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the many healthcare workers who cared for Penny over the years. Their skill, kindness, and dedication gave us precious time—extra years filled with love, laughter, and valued memories that we would not have otherwise. Because of them, Penny was able to share more stories, give more hugs, and create more moments of joy with those she loved most. Our hearts are forever grateful for their compassionate hands and healing hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Paul, grandsons Quinn and Kennion Ferguson, brothers Vern, Gordon, and Russell Haas, and sister Elaine Simpson.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing at Myers Mortuary in Brigham City on Friday, April 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday, April 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Perry LDS Chapel, 2415 S 900 W. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM, with interment at Brigham City Cemetery. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Chapel.

Penny’s love, kindness, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed, but her legacy of devotion to family, service to others, and compassion for all living things will live on in those who knew and loved her.