Richa Ruth ("Penny") Vahle

“Penny” Steele Vahle passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 1, 2017. Penny was born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 26, 1938; She was 79 years old. Penny was predeceased by her husband Louis S. Vahle. She was previously married to James F. Ansel of Sonoma. Penny has four children (Kathy Wachsman, Rick Ansel, Kirk Ansel and Marcia Smith), two daughters-in-law (Marcie Ansel and Myrna Ansel) and one son-in-law (Vin Smith). Penny was adored by her numerous grandchildren (Lindsey Wachsman, Sam Ansel, Weston Stulac, Sierra Stulac, Ian Wachsman, Allison Ansel, Owen Ansel, Madelyn Ansel, Addison Ansel, Evelyn Ansel and Grant Smith) . Penny was an only child and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines and later finished her career as a Personal Banking Officer at Wells Fargo Bank. Penny was a beautiful lady with an infectious smile. She and Louis loved to socialize, entertain, travel, and dance together. Penny was a talented water-color artist, winning many first place ribbons for her paintings. She also took a lot of pleasure in gardening and cooking for her family. Her family will have a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a donation to “Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Napa Valley”.

 Service Information