Elizabeth "Penny" Kyle

Elizabeth “Penny” Kyle, age 83, of Kelleys Island, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023.

She was born August 1, 1939, in Lakewood, OH, the daughter of the late Edwin R. Kyle and Frances Jane (nee Stewart) Kyle.  She grew up in Bay Village and attended Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire before her marriage to her now former husband Robert M. Paine.

They made their home in Bay Village, and Penny volunteered in the community while raising her family.  Her passion for plants and animals led to her many years of volunteering at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, where she served on the Woman’s Board.  She organized annual plant sales at the Center raising funds to build and maintain a greenhouse for all to enjoy.  The family began vacationing on Kelleys Island in the late sixties which led to the purchase of the First Congregational Church on the island from the State of Ohio.  The structure was eventually moved and restored becoming a seasonal residence.

Kelleys Island became a permanent home for Penny in the early 80’s and she operated the Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast for many years.  Her gardening skills and talent created a beautiful setting for family gatherings and weddings.

She loved the Island life and was passionate about preserving its character for future generations.  Penny served on the Planning Commission and was a long serving member of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Kelleys Island Stewardship Committee.  She worked on the Museum’s conservation projects for the Island and helped with the development of the Jones Preserve.

In her more active years Penny enjoyed long dog walks and bird watching with friends.  She loved boating and took her cabin cruiser down the Eastern Seaboard to the Florida Keys with son Kyle and friends.  She was always an avid reader and loved history and keeping up with world news and events.

Her wit, humor, and love of people will be missed by all along with her knowledge and stories of the Island’s history.

She is survived by her daughter Kimberley Paoletta, Vermilion; grandchildren Phillip (Bintou Sagara) Paoletta, Senegal Africa, and Stephanie Paoletta, Cleveland; and great grandchildren Andre and Awa Elizabeth Paoletta; along with her nieces and nephews from Virginia.

Penny was preceded in death by her son Kyle Paine; brother David S. Kyle; and parents.

Memorial services will be held at 10am Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Zion United Methodist Church, Kelleys Island. Ransom Funeral Home, Castalia, is assisting the family with the service.

Memorials may be made to Cleveland Museum of Natural History.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com

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