Penny Louise Ellsworth Cretsinger

September 1, 1947-January 30, 2026

Penny Louise Ellsworth Cretsinger, 78, went to be with our Lord Jan. 30, 2026, in Magnolia, Texas, after a lengthy battle with ALS.

She was born Sept. 1, 1947, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Penny was preceded in death by her son, Tim L. Miller; her parents, Hallet L. Ellsworth and Reba L. Neal; her brother, Frank "Les" Ellsworth; and her niece, Leslie Joann Headrick. She is survived by her husband, James "Jim" H. Cretsinger Jr.; her son, Terry Earl Miller, and his wife, Supatra; her granddaughter, Brandi M. Pagel, and four great-grandchildren; her sister, Linda K. Bookout; nieces Anna Wells and Kyi L. Brooks, and nephew Hal L. Ellsworth; and three great-nieces and nephew Josh Wells Jr.

Penny became a mother with the birth of her first son, Tim, later welcoming her second son, Terry. While exploring a career with Levi Strauss she was also a fulltime mother and participated with the boy's education and sports. Family was central to her life, and that sense of care extended far beyond her own home.

Due to the death of her son Tim in a drunk-driving crash in 1988 Penny became instrumental in reestablishing the Houston Chapter of MADD where she volunteered as a grief counselor and later worked with the Harris County Probation Department and Victims Impact Group, helping ensure victim impact statements were heard in court. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Houston and went on to obtain her real estate license and worked within the greater Houston area.

Penny met Jim, the love of her life, while working at HNG/Enron. They married in 1995 becoming best friends and soulmates. Penny's love of life was meeting and connecting with people. Penny was always warm, and approached everyone with humor, and kindness. Penny's passion was entertaining, cooking and finding new recipes for Jim. She loved gardening and had that so called "green thumb". Her love of animals of all kinds brought six adopted rescues into their home. Penny's love of ancient history inspired her to travel with Jim to Italy where she was filled with joy and happiness to have visited the sites of the Vatican, the Roman Colosseum, Pompeii and many others. Her last love was the design and construction of their forever home.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassion and support that surrounded Penny throughout her illness. They would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Megan Lauve for the care and love she gave Penny and for the support of the family during a difficult transition.

The family also thanks the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute ALS Clinic, Hearts at Home, Embracing Hearts, and Bayou City Hospice for their care and support. Penny passed away quietly surrounded by family and her beloved dogs.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM April 18, 2026, at Klein Funeral Home Chapel, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, Texas, followed by a reception, "Celebration of life" at Penny and Jim's home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ; ALS Association ; and Houston SPCA .