Ostendorf
Carolyn “Penny” Ostendorf (Pennington), age 82, of Rockdale passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Carolyn was born on April 6, 1943, in Milam County in Sandy Creek to Dona Evelyn Davis and Cloyce Edward Pennington.
She grew up in Rockdale, where she graduated from Rockdale High School in 1961 and was a celebrated basketball player.
Carolyn devoted her career to helping others and made a lasting impact on countless lives through her work in mental health services. Her caring spirit, infectious humor and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her.
Carolyn found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, who were the light of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Elvin “Skip” Morrison and daughter, Jennifer Ostendorf Dodd.
She is survived by her son, Jeff Ostendorf, and wife Taryn Ostendorf; her grandchildren, Allison Dodd, Kimberly Ostendorf, Katie Ostendorf, Saige Ostendorf and William Ostendorf; and her great-grandchildren, Bryson Foley and Anastasia Quiroz.