Beloved Rutledge restaurant owner dies after cancer battle

Penny Hazeltine, owner of Down Home Restaurant, was known for her warm hospitality and passion for feeding the community.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 4:07am

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Penny Hazeltine, the beloved owner of Down Home Restaurant in Rutledge, Tennessee, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Hazeltine had run the restaurant for 16 years, greeting customers, sharing stories, and making everyone feel like family. Her daughter and granddaughter described her as someone who "cooked with love" and "wanted to make sure that everybody was fed."

Why it matters

Hazeltine's passing is a significant loss for the tight-knit Rutledge community, where she was known as "Mamaw" or "Mama" and had a deep impact on those she served. The restaurant was more than just a business to her - it was a place where she could express her passion for cooking and caring for others.

The details

Hazeltine bought Down Home Restaurant in 2009 and poured her heart into running it. She was known for her warm smile, humble demeanor, and deep faith. Just before Valentine's Day, Hazeltine lost her battle with cancer after the disease spread throughout her body. Her family says she initially thought she was having back trouble before being diagnosed and rushed to the ER.

  • Hazeltine bought Down Home Restaurant in 2009.
  • Hazeltine passed away just before Valentine's Day 2026 after a battle with cancer.

The players

Penny Hazeltine

The beloved owner of Down Home Restaurant in Rutledge, Tennessee, who passed away after a battle with cancer.

Amanda Bean

Hazeltine's daughter, who described her mother's passion for cooking and serving the community.

Ronnie Hazeltine

Hazeltine's husband, who met and proposed to her at the restaurant.

Hannah Bean

Hazeltine's granddaughter, who said everyone called her "Mamaw" or "Mama".

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What they’re saying

“Mama always cooked with love. She wanted to make sure that everybody was fed. She loved to cook and feed people.”

— Amanda Bean, Hazeltine's daughter

“This is most of where she spent her life. It was right here, day in and day out and it just meant so much to her to be able to help people. When you see Penny and you talked to Penny, it was just she opened her heart to you. It's just the kind of person she was. She was just a wonderful lady.”

— Ronnie Hazeltine, Hazeltine's husband

“Everybody called her Mamaw or Mama. I mean, she was just that person for multiple people. That was her favorite part of being here was being able to be there for the community.”

— Hannah Bean, Hazeltine's granddaughter

What’s next

In honor of Penny, Down Home Restaurant is serving her favorite meal, fried chicken, to the community for free on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Penny Hazeltine's passing is a profound loss for the Rutledge community, where she was beloved for her warm hospitality, passion for cooking, and deep commitment to serving others. Her legacy will live on through the restaurant she poured her heart into and the countless lives she touched.