Penny Jane (Phillips) Birdsong, 69, of Abilene, Kansas, formerly of Salina Kansas, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas. Born on September 29, 1955, in Salina, Kansas, Penny was the daughter of Leonard Phillips and Bernetta (Cooley) Phillips. She graduated from Central High School in 1973 and on July 2nd, 1977 was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Douglas Birdsong, in Salina Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Bernetta (Cooley) Phillips, brothers Gary and Jerry Phillips, and grandson Browynn Birdsong. She is survived by her husband, Doug Birdsong, her sister, Kay (Phillips) Lazlo, her three children Cory Birdsong and wife Kristin, Dustin Birdsong and wife Denae, Jerry Birdsong and wife Tara, nine grandchildren; Cadence, Viola, Annaleice, Grady, Treygan, Ruxton, Madison, Moxie, and Opal, and one great grandchild; Aleayah, and many other extended family and friends.
Penny dedicated her life to serving others. She began working at Dillon’s at the age of 15 and continued there until her retirement. After retiring, she worked with preschool-aged children in the local school system. Her commitment to her faith was evident through her active involvement at the First United Methodist Church of Salina, Kansas, where she taught adult Bible studies and served as a lay minister at various churches across central Kansas. Additionally, Penny volunteered with the Love Chloe Agency in Salina, Kansas, supporting their mission, which was dear to her heart.
A favorite quote of Penny's was: "You will teach them to fly, but they will not fly your flight. You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dream. You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life. Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream, the print of the way you taught them will remain." — Mother Teresa
Doug and family will receive friends on Monday afternoon February 17, 2025, from 4 until 6 pm at the Ryan Mortuary, Salina.
Following cremation, a memorial service to honor Penny's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Salina, Kansas, at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday February 27, 2025.
The family would love any gifts in Penny's memory to be directed to the Love, Chloe Foundation.
Penny's unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.