Penelope Grace Hammel Bendixsen passed away peacefully in her home in Spanish Fork, Utah on May 27, 2025, after more than a year of fighting pancreatic cancer. She was born Feb 5, 1969, to Charles Earl Hammel and Lola May Palmer Hammel in Flint, Michigan, where she lived until she left home for college.
While attending college at Brigham Young University, she met and then married Lynn Gray Bendixsen on December 27, 1990. Shortly after marrying, she graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in composite dance. They had 11 children together and lived in Spanish Fork for nearly 30 years.
Penelope was a wonderful mother and homemaker and began homeschooling her children in 2013. In her early years of being a mother she enjoyed choreographing dances in theater productions for a junior high school and for the Spanish Fork Community Theater. In later years she supported her children in multiple ice skating opportunities. Because the closest rink did not have speed skating offerings, and one of her daughters wanted to speed skate, she played a key role in creating the Timpanogos Speed Skating Club in Provo, Utah and became its Founding President so that her daughter and several others would have the opportunity to learn to speed skate.
She enjoyed many different hobbies over the years, including dancing, beekeeping, ornamental gardening, soap making, sewing (dance dresses, irish dance dresses, skate costumes, prom dresses, etc), landscaping, painting, re-upholstery, baking, and many others.
Penelope had a deep and abiding love for and trust in her Savior, Jesus Christ, that never wavered despite her final trial. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for her entire life. She enjoyed serving in multiple volunteer positions in the church, many of which involved serving the youth in Cub Scout positions and teaching primary-aged children.
She is survived by her husband Lynn, and 11 children: Melanie Fairbanks (Justin), Sarah Molen (Michael), Laurel Sanders (Sam), Erin Pyle (David), Gavin, Audrey, Joy, Daphne, Gwenyth, Isette, and Zoe. She is also survived by her siblings Madelyn (James), Roy, and Adell. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.
A visitation will be held in Penelope’s honor on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah. An additional visitation will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1661 South 1400 East, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same address.
7 Condolences for Penelope Grace Hammel Bendixsen
Condolences(7)
Deon Bradford says
May 28, 2025 at 5:28 pmAll my heart goes out to Lynn and Penelope. I’ve had the opportunity to live in the same town as them for the past 20 years. One tribute to Penelope is how much she was truly loved by her husband and her children. She always made everything beautiful. I love her and will miss her.
Amy Latimer & family says
May 28, 2025 at 7:53 pmPenelope was a dear friend of mine for the last 20 or so years I have been in her ward. I had the privilege of serving with her in many callings, and grew to love and respect her many talents. I remember how much she loved plants and gardening, but the thing she adored most were her family and children. Our family sends our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Bendixons at this time. Until we see you again Penelope, we love you. Thank you for everything you taught us.🙏
Colleen Peck says
May 28, 2025 at 8:57 pmWe got to know Penelope by being in a play at SFCT. She was the Choreographer and did a good job. She was a neat, fun lady. Our condolences to the family. Love LeEarl, Colleen, Angela(Fox), Mandi and Marshal Peck
Chloe says
May 28, 2025 at 10:36 pmI had the privilege to know and befriend Penelope as I taught her children skating for the past 7 years. She became a friend and someone I aspired to emulate. Her charisma, positive outlook, upbeat personality, attentiveness, attention to detail, true kindness, love for others, and pure heart made a lasting, memorable mark on me. Penelope was truly remarkable and could do anything she set her mind to. I will cherish all the many life lessons I have learned from her. She has truly changed my life for the better. She loved her family and children so much and set such a good example of following the spirit at all times, with no fear or doubt. Penelope will be deeply missed, her legacy of living and loving full out will live on! I love the Bendixsen family and send Lyn as well as all her children my deepest love, condolences, and prayers.
Melissa Ritchie says
May 31, 2025 at 2:45 amPenelope was a true friend, ever uplifting and always inspiring, there were always kind, encouraging words from her. She was there as I began my motherhood journey, we met at the ice rink years ago. Oh, how her kids meant everything to her and how I loved her example of what it means to be a momma. I’ve been so excited for her to meet our baby #3 on the way, I even text her about it last week. What a beautiful soul she is, I felt her near today as I skated. I very much look forward to seeing her again one day. My heart, tears, and prayers go out to her sweet family.
Dan Bachmeier says
June 6, 2025 at 2:45 amEven though years and miles have passed since my last visit with Penny, hearing of her passing doesn’t make it hurt less. A dear, best friend to Marie and a terrific friend and example to me, she will indeed be missed and thought of fondly. Prayers and comfort for Lynn and the entire family.
Clare Decator, Jr. says
June 6, 2025 at 5:24 pmI am so sorry to learn that Penny has passed. I knew her from growing up in Michigan. I would later say hello to her when we both attended BYU. She was a kind soul and I am glad to know she had a wonderful family and that her pain is now gone.
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