Marjorie Stonerook

Marjorie (Penningroth) Stonerook passed away on February 20, 2026, at Clarence Senior Living at the age of 92. Services will be held on Wednesday, February 25 at the Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, with a visitation at 10:00, service at 11:00, burial, and followed with a luncheon at the First United Methodist Church in Tipton.

Marjorie Penningroth was born on December 29, 1933, growing up in rural Tipton, where she was active on the farm, enjoyed neighbors, attended church, and participated in 4‑H, music, intramural sports, and graduated from Tipton Consolidated School before attending the University of Iowa. She especially loved playing the viola and was talented enough to compete at the state level during high school.

In 1954, Marge married Ellis “Sonny” Stonerook, the love of her life, and together they farmed in rural Clarence before moving into Clarence in 1971 to begin Clarence Plumbing & Heating. They celebrated 57 years of marriage and raised four children: Jean, Karen, Dana, and Gary in Clarence. Marge sang in the Clarence Methodist Church choir, enjoyed school activities, played tennis, was an excellent cook with a large garden, always took time for someone stopping by, and took great pride in her family and home.

Marge lived her life with energy and purpose. She was always on the go—organized, busy, and happiest when she was doing something for someone else. She loved to bake and was known for her homemade bread, coffee cake, and the “twinky cake” she made for countless birthdays. She remembered every family birthday, anniversary, and special date, and made sure a card was sent. She enjoyed people, always had a smile, a “hello,” and loved extending a warm invitation to come in for coffee and a slice of something fresh from her kitchen.

Marge also had a wonderful sense of humor. She kept a handwritten list of jokes tucked in her purse and loved pulling it out to entertain anyone willing to listen. She was ornery and fun, quick‑witted, and always ready with a one‑liner. One year, someone teasingly suggested a New Year’s resolution for her that read, “I will behave myself,” which made her laugh every time she repeated it.

Marge and Sonny later moved to Tipton, where she became known for her daily walks, her love of the outdoors, and the joy she found in mowing, tending trees, and simply being in nature. She organized class and family reunions, loved the Women’s Club, attended Methodist Church, and treasured time spent with friends and family. Marge and Sonny shared a morning kiss every day of their marriage, a small tradition that meant everything to them.

In later years, she lived at Prairie Hills Assisted Living before moving to the Clarence nursing home.

Marge is survived by sibling Darrel Penningroth (Janet), brother‑in‑law Arn Schaper, and her children (and spouses): Jean, Karen (Al Campbell), Dana (Teri), and Gary; grandchildren Nick (Danielle), Abby Samuels, Curt (Becky), and Emily (Nate Cahill); great‑grandchildren Dominic, Juliette, Ryan, Hendrix, Eliza, Margi, Declan, and Maclan. Her death is preceded by parents Benjamin & Jessie Penningroth and Clarence & Beatrice Stonerook; husband Sonny; siblings Darlene (Demaree), Raymond, and Carolyn (Schaper); and sisters‑in‑law Rosemary, Mary, and Sally.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.