Marilyn Guth Rommel, 82, known to friends and family as "Penny" for her copper penny red hair, passed away on January 29, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, George William Rommel, and their two sons Scott (Lori) of Grand Canyon, AZ and Andrew (Hope) of Rocky Mount, NC. She is also survived by her brother Greg Guth (Kathie) and sister Gwenn Kirby (Robin). She was Nana to Isabel Grace, Marilyn Ann, Owen Lalor, and Everett Alan Rommel and Aunt Penny to her many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Gilbert Guth and Ester Guth (nee Lalor).

Those who knew Penny knew her to be a loving and gracious member of her family, neighborhood, and community. Penny's many talents as a homemaker, gardener, cook, seamstress, fiber artist, crafter, community volunteer, and teacher brought value to all the lives she touched during her life. Penny was born in Los Angeles, CA on August 8, 1941 She attended Fullerton Union High School and continued her education at University of California at Riverside where she pursued her degree in Education. While there, she met Lt. George William (Bill) Rommel and upon graduation, they married on February 15, 1964.

The young couple soon moved to Schwabach, Germany where Bill was stationed with the U.S. Army. Penny told many great stories of their travels and escapades in Europe. After two years, the couple returned to Los Angeles where they welcomed their first son, Scott. The family lived in Buena Park, where Bill continued his career with the Army as a recruiter. A few more moves took them around Southern California until the family finally settled at their long time home in San Diego in 1968. There, they welcomed their second son, Andrew, and Penny began her career teaching social studies at Spring Valley Elementary School, while Bill worked at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Over the years, Penny and Bill raised their family in a fun filled neighborhood, full of life-long friends. Penny and her husband were always busy with weekends full of soccer games, camping, and visiting all the beautiful places California and the Western states offer.

Avid arts and crafts lovers, Penny and Bill worked together making wooden folk toys which they sold at the San Diego Renaissance Faire and other regional festivals. They cherished all things "Southern California", especially the climate, cuisine, arts, and watching Padres games with the kids. Holidays and summers with visiting grandchildren were filled with trips to the beaches, museums, parks, zoos, and dinner in Little Italy. As well, there were weekly Friday lunches with Penny's friends and colleagues from San Diego Mesa College. Penny participated in volunteer work at various local charities, including Mama's Kitchen, which was particularly close to her heart .

As Penny's health began to decline, she and Bill moved to Flagstaff, AZ to be closer to family. They resided there for 3 years until Penny's death at The Bluffs Assisted Living. During her time at assisted living, Penny was lovingly cared for by The Bluffs staff and by the staff of Tender Loving Companions, LLC (TLC). Many thanks to Rebecca, Katy, Chelsea, Yvonne, Q, Erica, Robyn, Connie, and Marquita of TLC and to Compassis Hospice Care. Penny's family will honor her memory and receive friends at a reception at The Bluffs, 3100 E Butler Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004, on February 17, 2024 at 1pm.