Penny (Kocherhans) Bushman

Penny Kocherhans Bushman

1948 ~ 2026

Penny Kocherhans Bushman, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6 at her home in American Fork, Utah after a series of strokes.

Penny was born Oct 1, 1948 in Lovell, Wyoming to J. Rex and Mary Kocherhans, and delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Thomas B. Croft. As the oldest of eleven children, Penny became a vital support to her mother and a second mother to many of her siblings. She learned to play the piano at a young age, and spent a lifetime as the family accompanist. Though it often made her a little anxious, she was always willing to step in and play at a moment’s notice. She spent most of her childhood in Casper, Wyoming and her youth in Lander, Wyoming where she graduated from FCVHS. 

After high school Penny attended Ricks College where she met the love of her life. While he served in the Southern States Mission, she continued her schooling at BYU and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She wrote encouraging letters each week to her missionary and two months after his return Penny and Roger were married in the St. George Utah Temple on Sept 1, 1970.

Whether around the kitchen table or the family piano, Penny loved nothing more than to gather her family and make sure they felt her love. She lived her life dedicated to loving and serving others. 

She impacted many lives as a home economics teacher at Payson Junior High. Her students and colleagues loved her, and honored her as Teacher of the Year in 2001. She loved raising her children in Payson and the many friends there who enriched her life. 

She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who served in countless callings including Relief Society President three times and as a full-time MLS missionary with her husband in the Charlotte North Carolina Mission. There they were blessed to serve in the Catawba Ward near Rock Hill, South Carolina where they were loved by many who became dear friends.

She is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Kris Bushman, Kari Bushman, Daniel (Enku) Bushman, Grant (Crista) Bushman, Jessie Bushman, Adam (Rachael) Bushman; a bonus child Jeff (Lauren) Cartwright; 12 other grandchildren; mother, and 9 siblings.

She is preceded in death by her father, a brother, and her infant son, Roger Moroni Bushman. 

Funeral services for Penny will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11:00 am at the American Fork 15th Ward Chapel located at, 455 East 300 North, American Fork, Utah. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday evening March 15, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home located at, 1776 North 900 East American Fork, Utah and also an additional viewing on Monday morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service.

For those who have asked how they can best honor Penny’s memory, may we suggest that you make a donation to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the charity of your choice. 

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