Lois "Penny" Wilson

Lois “Penny” Wilson 

09/23/1936 - 04/27/2026

Lois “Penny” Wilson, of Ozark, Missouri, died on April 27, 2026. Penny was born to Donald and Rosella Huetson in Vermillion, South Dakota on September 23, 1936. As a little girl, she had copper hair, inspiring her lifelong nickname, “Penny.” She attended the University of South Dakota. Following graduation, she moved to Boise, Idaho with her parents and her younger brother Michael.

Penny then moved to Seattle, Washington, where she met her late husband, James “Jim” Wilson. They met when Jim scheduled a date with her roommate, but she caught his eye instead and the two never looked back. They shared a passion for art throughout their marriage; it was fitting that her and Jim’s first date was to an art museum. Jim and Penny had a son, James Jay Wilson, in 1963. The family moved to Pittsburg, Kansas in 1965, then eventually settled in Dodge City, Kansas where she practiced as a paralegal for many years.


Penny and Jim moved to Ozark, Missouri in 2009 to be closer to their son and grandchildren.

Penny is preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and their son Jay. Penny is survived by her brother, Michael, her daughter in-law, Kari Wilson, her three grandsons, Connor, Taylor (Caryn), Kellen (Rachel), and her four great grandsons, Lewis, Jack, Augie, and Lee Wilson.


Penny always had a young, adventurous spirit that led her to many new experiences, ranging from international travel to trying the new restaurant around the corner. Penny rarely knew a stranger. Penny’s passions and hobbies were many, including photography, taking care of her beloved pets, listening to smooth jazz, winning big at a flea market, and gardening.

A memorial service will be held on May 25th at 10 a.m. at Ozark Family Church in Ozark, Missouri.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be given to Watching Over Whiskers ( https://watchingoverwhiskers.org/donate) in Penny’s honor.