Penny Jo Rader, daughter of Edwin Christly and Dorothy Mae (Bryant) Rader, was born on February 8, 1965, in Cabool, Missouri. She passed away at the age of 61 on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Mountain Grove, Missouri.
Penny received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Drury University. At the graduation ceremony, after Penny received her degree, she was called back on stage so that she could present her daughter, Lisa, with her Associate’s Degree. She then served the community of Texas County, Missouri, as a dispatcher, number C6 Rader, for over 11 years. Later, she became a probation officer for over 5 years before her retirement in 2023.
Penny enjoyed outdoor camping, playing cards, getting her nails done, and traveling to both Springfield and Branson, making memories every chance she got. She also adored the Christmas season and loved driving around to admire the holiday lights. One of her favorite pastimes was watching her criminal shows with her fur baby, Lil’Bit, snuggled right next to her in her chair. However, her greatest joy was anything family-oriented. She truly loved spending time with her children and watching her grandkids at their activities, including band, choir, sporting events, and school programs. According to Penny, her grandkids could do no wrong!
As a teenager, Penny committed herself to her Lord, Jesus Christ, and was saved. In her later years, it was her faith in and of her Savior that helped sustain her when she found out about her cancer prognosis. She was not only a fighter, but a true warrior, over the last four years of her courageous battle with her disease. She never gave up!
Her parents, sister, Judy Laswell, and fur baby, Lil’Bit, precede her in death.
Penny is survived by her daughters, Lisa Cascairo (Ryan) of Mountain Grove, Missouri, April Peterson (David) of Phillipsburg, Missouri, Sara Bubeck (Josh) of Mountain Grove, Missouri and Angela Coatney (Jamie) of Norwood, Missouri; son, Chance LaRue (Alicia Turner) of Mountain Grove, Missouri; grandchildren, Kamren (Dana), Karlie, Kailin, Karsen, Carter, Laken, Jase, Oaklee, Caliber, Rowynn and Hudson; great-grandchildren, Knox and Lachlan; brothers, Jimmie Rader (Brenda) of Independence, Missouri, Dennis Rader (Patty) of Caulfield, Missouri and John Rader (Janice) of Bolivar, Missouri; sister, B. J. Meyer (Rob) of Elizabethtown, Indiana; brother-in-law, Marvin Laswell of Noland Point, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Penny’s name to the American Cancer Society.
