Gale "Penny" Talbert Ratermann

Gale “Penny” Talbert Ratermann, age 78, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 24, 2026. Born in Winston-Salem on October 28, 1947, Penny was a radiant presence who filled the lives of those around her with warmth, warmth, and laughter.

A woman of deep, unwavering faith, she was a devout Moravian who shared her love for the Lord with everyone she met. For many years, she served as a faithful Elder at Fairview Moravian Church and fulfilled the sacred duties of a Diener, joyously serving the traditional Lovefeast throughout the Advent season. Penny was perhaps most affectionately known by her congregation as “the orange juice lady”—a title she earned by greeting parishioners each week with a warm smile, pouring orange juice, and serving refreshments to start their morning with joy.

Professionally, Penny was a gifted and creative seamstress with a passion for home interior design. She poured her heart into her work, taking great care to truly know her clients so she could craft custom draperies and pillows that uniquely reflected their personal styles. Her creative talent was matched by her love for her own home, which was a beautifully curated tribute to her passions: an enduring love for Gone with the Wind, her cherished Moravian heritage, including photographs and family heirlooms tracing her family’s rich history.

Above all, Penny embraced life’s simple pleasures. She loved singing, dancing, a good joke, and sharing laughs with family and friends. She treasured her beloved girlfriends and the unforgettable “girls’ trips” they took together to hunt for antiques, thrift hidden treasures, and enjoy local wine tastings. Known for her infectious energy and signature colloquialisms, she was quick to offer an enthusiastic “Yeah baby!” or lean in to say, “Tell me something good.”

Penny was preceded in death by her parents, Edna Dull Talbert and Russell Lowell Talbert, II; her beloved husband, Harry Joseph Ratermann; and her eldest son, Steven Craig Livengood, Jr.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her surviving family: her son, Jeff Livengood (Francis); her daughter, Gale Croft (Patrick); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to her life.

The family respected Penny’s wishes to be cremated. A formal service will be announced at a later date.

In keeping with her wishes, Penny requested pink roses and daisies arranged by Sherwood Flower Shop for her Celebration of Life. Family flowers and arrangements may be sent directly to her home address.

Penny was a true light to the world, and her brightness endures in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. As her loved ones gather to celebrate her remarkable life, they take comfort in her favorite scripture, holding its truth close to their hearts:

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” —Psalm 118:24

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