WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Penny Elaine Gearhart, age 78, of Three Rivers, went to be with her Lord Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Birch Meadows Senior Care.
She was born August 16, 1947 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Charles and Nola (Dehn) Daugherty, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1965.
Penny had the honor of being named Miss Three Rivers in 1965.
On April 2, 1994, she married Bill Gearhart. The two enjoyed going for daily drives, always swinging in for a Frosty on the way. They also loved getting their family together.
Music and faith were both very important in Penny’s life. She loved both listening to music and making beautiful music on the piano. She was a member of Newberg Norton Bible Church and during the summers, enjoyed getting every Sunday night ready for Drive-In Church.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Bill Gearhart; her children’s father, Dennis Bottger; children, Bryan (Ammie) Bottger, Lainie (Rich) Wheat, April (Todd) Kane, Sharon (Dave) Nichols, Jim (Shannyn) Gearhart, and Dan (Stacy) Gearhart; daughter-in-law, Amy Bottger; grandchildren, Kaytlin, Samuel, Ashlyn, William, Bryce, Alex, Ryan, Alyx, Tye (Sierra), Trenton, Emma, Leah, Eowyn, Harrison, Autumn, Sebastian, Alex, and Xan (Autumn); three great-grandchildren; and brothers, Larry (Jody) Daugherty, Jim (Linette) Daugherty, and Pat Daugherty.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jason Bottger; and sisters-in-law, Anne Daugherty and Nancy Daugherty.
Her family will receive friends Friday, March 20, 2026 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 at the funeral home with Pastor John Sears officiating.
Donations in Penny’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Newberg Norton Bible Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
