Doris M. (Bethke) Penkert

Doris M. (Bethke) Penkert, 84, of Burton, Texas, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2024.

Doris was born in Burton, Texas, on September 10, 1939 to John E. and Lorena Webernick Bethke.  She was baptized October 15, 1939 and later confirmed on March 29, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg.  On September 23, 1956 she married Dennis Penkert at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg, and they had 2 children, Darrell and Donna.

Doris grew up in Burton but was adamant about moving to Friendswood, Texas where she wanted to raise her children. Doris was a woman of faith.  She and Dennis joined Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood, Texas where they were involved in the church for 20 years before moving back to Burton. 

Doris was a homemaker, although she had many hobbies. She enjoyed painting pictures of farmland, gardening with flowering plants, sewing, jewelry making, beekeeping, and helping Dennis with their cattle.  She also loved to travel to visit family throughout the US. Her last trip was to the US-Canadian border to see Niagara Falls. 

Doris held a few jobs throughout her adult life, but none compared to working at H & P Oilfield Services.  In 1983 she was employed by Harry Brisco and quickly learned how to rebuild magnetos for engines.  Doris was one of the first women in Texas trained to rebuild magneto assemblies used in the oilfield. She was very proud of that accomplishment.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law Donna and Steve Baker of Alpharetta, Georgia.  Her son, Darrell R. Penkert of Cypress, Texas.  Grandchildren Laurel Baker and special friend Scott Skog, Austin Baker, and Kelsey Penkert.  Great-Grandchildren Faith Mathis, Rylee Baker, Whitney Keene and Lainey Keene.  Brother and sister-in-law Johnny and Brenda Bethke.  Nephew J.W. Bethke.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dennis.  Her parents, John and Lorena Bethke, father-in-law and mother-in-law Otto and Elfie Penkert. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Brenham Memorial Chapel, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Services will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 at Abiding Word Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas at 10:30 a.m. with burial following at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com