Penny Lee Rivera

Penny Lee Rivera, 76, of New Philadelphia, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 in Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital at Dover.

Born in Dover, she was that daughter of the late William D. and Viola (Ritenour) Smith and had retired from Shoney’s at Dover where she had worked as a cook. Penny loved to bowl and had been a member of a number of women’s bowling leagues. She enjoyed working in her gardens and her flower beds and completing puzzles. Especially Sudoku puzzles. She was also an avid reader and loved reading James Patterson’s spy novels.

Surviving are two daughters, Melody (Richard) Lang and Amanda Burnett both of New Philadelphia; a son, Otilio William (Kris) Rivera of Warren; a step-daughter, Wanda (Junior) Rivera of Geneva; a step-son, Roberto Rivera, Jr. of Mentor; a half-brother, Robert Slemmer of Strasburg and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Penny was preceded in death by her sister, Gaylene Dreher and her brother, Paul David Smith.

In keeping with Penny’s wishes, she is to be cremated through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The family will conduct a memorial service for Penny at a later date and time.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Penny by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.