Penny Jo Gustafson, age 74, of Pottsboro, TX, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX. She was born on April 27, 1949, in Lebanon, OR, to Frederick H. Findley and Sarah Alice Long (Peggy Murphy).

Penny's journey through life was marked by passion, dedication, and love. She graduated from high school in Pueblo, CO, and pursued higher education at Southern Colorado State College with a focus in accounting.  Along the way Penny earned numerous professional certifications and awards to help further her career.

Penny moved from Dallas to Pottsboro in 1996. She brought her exceptional skills in management, bookkeeping and accounting to various companies before finding her true calling as a division controller at Progress Rail Services (Caterpillar Inc.) in 1998. Penny was not just an employee or someone keeping an eye on the numbers; she was a mentor, a meticulous professional, and a builder of lasting relationships.

On April 10, 1973, Penny joined hands in marriage with Fred Gustafson in Dallas, TX. Together, they built a life that included combining families, raising, and caring for numerous pets and traveling to Las Vegas whenever possible. Her creative wit brought laughter to those around her, and her truest happiness came from spending time with her loved ones, including her many cherished pets, growing in her career and most of all spending time (going to Choctaw Casino) with her best friend of nearly 50 years, Fred.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Frank Gustafson & Theresa of Granbury, TX; Jeff Gustafson & Nancy of McKinney, TX; Herb Thornton & Michelle of Denver, CO; Trisha Tucker & Duane of Englewood, CO; nine grandchildren: Jennifer, Anthony, Christopher, Kelsey, Kylie, Caroline, Ethan, Molly, Morgan, and three great-grandchildren: Serena, Evy, Olivia, and Tatum. She is also survived by her sister Marge Horner & Bob of Princeton, TX; sister Rhonda Kilpatrick and Michael of Ennis, TX; brother Chuck Lee of Phoenix, AZ. Penny is also remembered by numerous close nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Penny was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Fred & Jean Findley, her mother, Peggy Murphey, and her niece, Collete Duval.

A memorial service to celebrate Penny's life will be held on Saturday, April 6th, at 2 p.m. at the American Funeral Service Chapel in Denison, TX. The family will receive visitors during a visitation at 1 pm, prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in support of Cavalier Rescue USA (cavalierrescueusa.org) or by texting to donate at (520) 317-6867. This gesture honors Penny's compassionate spirit and her love for animals.

May Penny's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.