Penny Marlene Robbe

Penny Marlene Robbe (née Goodwin), 81, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026 in Boise, Idaho.

Born on May 13, 1944, in Sandpoint, Idaho, Penny was the daughter of Virgil C. and Verna A. (Cramer) Goodwin. She grew up in Sandpoint, eventually moving to Libby, Montana to teach the second grade.

On March 1, 1965, Penny married Carl G. Robbe of Libby, Montana. They purchased a small acreage on the bank of the Kootenai river and proceeded to raise four children. Once her children reached school age, Penny transitioned into a distinguished career in public service. She began as an eligibility technician for the Lincoln County Office of Human Services, where her leadership skills led her to a supervisory role. Her expertise in social services eventually took her to Helena, Montana, where she served as the Chief of the Program and Policy Bureau for the State Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. In 1996, she returned to her home state of Idaho to continue her work with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare before moving into the private sector as a highly regarded consultant for state human services departments nationwide.

Upon retiring in 2013, Penny returned to Boise to focus on her greatest joy: her family. She was a daily fixture in her grandchildren’s lives, serving as their most enthusiastic cheerleader and a constant source of encouragement at every sporting event. As her grandchildren grew and left the nest, Penny embraced a new chapter, moving into a newly built retirement community; there, she became a dedicated advocate for her fellow residents and spent her days socializing and playing cards with dear friends.

Penny leaves behind a legacy of public service, and love and devotion for family. She is survived by her three children, Lisa Robbe of Spokane, Washington, Suelee Robbe-Austerman (Tony) of Artesian, South Dakota, and Kerry Elder of Boise, Idaho. She will be deeply missed by her four grandchildren: Yam Elder, Kate (Jake) Dwyer, Erin Elder, and Mike Elder. She is also survived by her siblings: Ronald “Butch” (Sachi) Goodwin, Janice “Cooki” George, Teresa Goodwin, and Virgil “Bud” Goodwin.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Verna, her former husband Carl; and her beloved son, John Henry Robbe.