Penny Redina Klinedinst

Penny Redina Klinedinst (Royer) 65, of Peoria, IL, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center surrounded by love. Born on September 23, 1960, in Pekin, IL, to Gordon Wayne and Betty Lou (Hart) Royer, Penny was the proud oldest sibling of her family. Affectionately known as "Lucky Penny" by her father and "Shiny Penny" by her partner, she grew into a fiercely independent, highly resourceful woman who could effortlessly make something out of nothing. She was a peaceful soul full of immense wisdom, a quick wit, and an abounding kindness that touched everyone she met. To her family, she was the true matriarch—a title she absolutely loved and wore with immense pride. For over 30 years, Penny dedicated her heart to others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Proctor Home Endowment in Peoria. Working in the skilled nursing and hospice departments, she provided profound comfort to patients in their final chapters. Penny deeply loved her work, and her patients trusted and loved her dearly in return. Ever humble, she always said she learned so much from the very people she cared for. Penny’s love for life was rooted in simplicity and contentment. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian or zoologist, a passion that stayed with her forever. She loved visiting the zoo and had a miraculous gift for rescuing vulnerable animals—whether nursing a baby squirrel, a bird, a kitten, or a puppy back to health. Over the years, her home was filled with beloved pets, including her dogs Trixter, Tye, Boo Bear, and Bear, her cat Takee, and even a few squirrels. An outdoor enthusiast, Penny loved hiking, camping, traveling, and feeling the sand at the beach. She was an avid reader who would read anything and everything, a movie lover, and an enthusiastic gamer who spent many happy hours playing Pac-Man, Zelda, and Final Fantasy. Penny had a deep fascination with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, inspired by the beautiful concept of people working together for a noble cause. She loved flute music and listened to it often. She lived her life guided by the words of the poem Desiderata, which she quoted often, alongside her other favorite pieces, Wild Child and The Tale of Two Wolves. Above all, Penny cherished children and her family. She believed there was never a "bad child" in the world, holding a special, tender place in her heart for the "wild children," whom she considered the truly special ones. She loved teaching them, sparking their curiosity, and encouraging them to explore the world. She was the person everyone turned to for guidance because she truly seemed to know everything. Penny is survived by her devoted partner of 43 years, Anthony Tart of Peoria, IL; her three children, Brandon (Tisha) Klinedinst of Marquette Heights, IL, Kristie Bennett of San Antonio, TX, and Jason Klinedinst of Peoria, IL; her 14 grandchildren; and her 9 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Linda (Ali) Mansour of Virginia; her brother, Robert Royer of Peoria, IL; and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers, Wayne Royer (2024) and Charles Royer(1964). Cremation rites have been accorded. Services will be at a later date.

Penny Redina Klinedinst

September 23, 1960 - August 12, 2026