Penelope "Penny" Marchand Banta

Penelope Rose “Penny” Marchand Banta, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:40 a.m., at the age of 69. She left this world surrounded by love, with Uncle D.J. at her side, reading scripture, first book of Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 as she took her final breath. Her presence, warmth, and light will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Penny found her greatest peace near the water, fishing rod in hand. Fishing was more than a pastime—it was her sanctuary. It was where she felt most at home, where the world quieted, and where she was calm, content, and truly herself. Many cherished memories were made sitting beside her on the water’s edge, sharing stories, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.

She was a woman of strength, warmth, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Penny gave selflessly, loved deeply, and always showed up for those she held dear. Her kindness, generosity, and steadfast spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to be part of her life.

Family meant everything to her. She loved without hesitation, gave without reservation, and always put others first. Penny was blessed with a large and loving family who will carry her memory forward with honor, ensuring that her legacy of love endures for generations to come.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 40 years, Michael Banta; her children: · Danielle Whittington (Ronnie); Shantelle Whealton (Gerald); Brandy Mullins (Julito); Mandy Marchand, Genie Johnson, and Patrick Wolfe (Kelley)

Her siblings, Evelyn (Camile), A.P., Ramona, D.J., Kim, Luke, James, and Shayne (Jessica)

Grandchildren, Kayla (Ryan), Dustin (Chaylee), Kelsey, Trinity (Jacob), Dalton (Lerin), Justin, Marc (Hannah), Lorie, Kyle, Dylan (Madeleine), Ashlyn, Alexis (Matthew), Patrick, Gabrielle, Connell, Phelan, Riddick, Violet, Lilah, and Ella

Great-grandchildren: Makenna, Cash, Ivy, Averi, Indie, Maisey, Levi, Eli, Hendrix, Gabriel, Christian, Raquel, Adler, Saylor, Sutton, Beckam, Skye, Sawyer, Cooper, Cohen, Alec, Demi, Livi, Corbin, Colt, Cody, and Jude

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who became like family throughout the years.

Penny is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Alma Burris, Dalton Marchand, and Lillie Gregoire Marchand; her sisters Mary Helen, Sharon, Michelle, and Cindy; her brother Harold; her brother-in-law Mark; her sister-in-law Sondra; her son-in-law Tony; her grandchild Cody Senez; and her great-grandchildren Justin Jr. and Sage, all of whom preceded her in death.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Aunt Mona, Uncle D.J., the staff of Ascension Oaks, and Baton Rouge Hospice for their unwavering care, strength, and support during this difficult time.

Dustin, Dalton, Connell, Phelan, Pat, and Reggie Honorary Pallbearers: D.J., Ryan, Ronnie, and Jacob will serve as pallbearers.

A visitation to celebrate Penny’s life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to follow at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1022 N. Burnside Ave., Gonzales, Louisiana 70737. After the visitation and Mass, Penny will be entrusted to the care of her family through cremation.

In honor of Penny’s life and the peace she found in nature, the family encourages loved ones to spend time outdoors—by the water, rod in hand, remembering her gentle smile and the serenity she found there. Following is Psalm 23, which D.J. and Penelope often shared together.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.