RUTLEDGE – Penny Satterfield Hazeltine, beloved former Rutledge resident and the heart behind The Down Home restaurant, passed away February 13, 2026 at UT Medical Hospital in Knoxville after bravely battling multiple types of cancer. She was 67.

Born November 5, 1958, Penny lived a life defined by faith, family and determination. Those who knew her describe a woman who was bold, hardworking and deeply devoted to Christ. She often shared her testimony with a smile, saying that even though she “got saved on the bathroom floor, it stuck.” Her faith was something she lived out loud.

For many in Rutledge, Penny was more than a familiar face. She was the owner of The Down Home, a small-town restaurant that became a gathering place for the community. It was where friends met over hot plates and fresh coffee, where stories were shared and where laughter filled the room. Penny poured herself into that little restaurant. She worked long hours, greeted customers by name and made sure no one left hungry. The Down Home was not just a business. It was an extension of her heart. Through good days and hard days, she kept cooking, serving and loving the people who walked through the door.

Above all, Penny loved her family. She was preceded in death by her late husband of 42 years Jerry E. Satterfield, her father Ernest Swiney, her mother Charolette Bull Swiney and her sister Sherry Swiney.

She is survived by her husband Ron Hazeltine; daughter Amanda Bean and husband Wade Bean; son Jeremy Satterfield and wife Chelsey Satterfield; brother David Swiney and wife Jacinta Swiney; grandchildren Cody Helton and wife Megan Helton and child Lillian Helton, Taylor Greer and husband Zack Greer and children Bella Greer and Daisy Greer, Ryan Helton and wife Katie Helton, Kearia Richards and husband Logan Richards, Maddie Johnson and husband Dakota Johnson and child Grayson Johnson, Joshua Satterfield and wife Caylee Satterfield and children Ryder Satterfield and Roen Satterfield and Hannah Bean. Though she did not get to meet her, she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of baby Lilah Grace Richards.

She is also survived by Marshia Dalton described as a special sister-in-law and best friend along with a host of cousins, sisters-in-law, blended family members and friends she cherished dearly.

Penny enjoyed teaching, singing and writing. She loved planting flowers, decorating and spending time outdoors. Most of all, she treasured time with her grandchildren. To know Penny was to love her. She was strong yet tender, outspoken yet compassionate and steadfast in her faith through every season.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Smith-Reagan Funeral Home in Rutledge. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at New Blackwell Baptist Church in Rutledge with burial to follow.

In honor of one of her greatest passions, the family will celebrate her life by serving her favorite meal at The Down Home restaurant Thursday beginning at 5:30 p.m. The community is invited to come, eat and share memories of the woman who made that little restaurant feel like home.

The family extends sincere thanks to the ladies of UT Medical Hospital’s oncology floor for their compassionate care and to all who prayed and supported Penny during her illness.

Services are entrusted to Smith-Reagan Funeral Home of Rutledge