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Lena Leota Clark, 93, of Shawnee, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018 in Seminole.
She was born May 5, 1924 to Jesse and Cora (Battice) Ellis in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Lena was raised in Shawnee and graduated from Centerview High School at the age of 16 as Salutatorian and attended Haskell Business College for three semesters. She moved to California in 1956 moving back to Oklahoma in 2002.
In 1944 she married David Nelson Pennock, Jr., Sac & Fox, who was the grandson of Chief Black Hawk and to this union one son, David N. Pennock, III was born.
Lena’s first job was at Douglas Aircraft in the Medical Department as a Clerk Typist during WWII until the end of the war in August 1945. She later worked, at Kib Warrens as a Cashier/Bookkeeper, for the City of Shawnee as a Cashier in the Water Department, as Secretary in the City Clerk’s Office and as Secretary to the City Manager. In 1956 she left Oklahoma for California and lived there for 47 years. While in California she worked as a Secretary at an Aircraft Co., retiring after 20 years. She later worked for a state run company and retired from it after 14 years at the age of 75.
Lena was a proud member of the Sac and Fox Nation and belonged to the Thunder Clan. Her Indian name is NaTaWe which means “A Streak of Lightning”. Lena’s maternal grandmother was Rosa McKosato Battice, daughter of Chief McKosato. Lena was a very active member of the Sac & Fox Tribe. She served as the Secretary on the Sac & Fox Business Committee and on the Sac & Fox Veterans Pow-Wow Club as President and 1 year as Treasurer of the Women’s Club. Lena joined the Elders Club and was Head Lady Dancer for the Valentine’s Dance in 2007. In 2008 she was honored by being elected as the Senior Sac & Fox Woman of the year and enjoyed wearing her shawl at many functions throughout the year and receiving recognition for it.
Lena participated in pow-wows at an early age and enjoyed the songs, dancing, friendships and fond memories that lasted a lifetime. She enjoyed going to the Casino to play the penny machines and Bingo. Lena enjoyed traveling, staying busy and spending time with her family. Her robust quality and enthusiasm was hard to keep up with. She truly lived each day to the fullest.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Nelson Pennock, III; grandson, Daniel Pennock; brother, Walter Ellis; and 4 sisters, Anna Tully, Lola Cummins, Ida Baldwin and Louise Rolette.
Lena is survived by a sister, Peggy Acoya; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving extended family and numerous friends.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 19, 2018 and continue through service time. Service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Ellis Rolette officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.
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