Dolores Arlene Pettit, age 86, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Green Hills Community in West Liberty.
She was born on February 27, 1938, in West Mansfield, Ohio, to Luther “Dude” and Zula “Pood” McDonald Atkinson, who preceded her in death.
Dolores graduated from West Mansfield High School in 1956. On December 28, 1958, she married the love of her life Richard “Dick” Pettit, who preceded her in death in 2002.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Diane (Ken) Foreman and Dorra Gilmore, and brother-in-law Rick Hutchins, whom she was blessed to raise as her own. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren: Mike (Wanda) Foreman, Shel-Leigh (Shawn) Sadler, Shelby and Kamryn Gilmore and Cylie (Adam) Whitt, her great-grandchildren Taylor, Brook, Colin, Hunter and Riley Foreman, Kaylee and Jayda Henry, Winston Williams, Declan Gilmore, IzaBelle Sadler, Connor, Ashton and Ava Whitt and great-great-grandson Kayson Smith She is also survived by her beloved brother Duane (Charlene) Atkinson and treasured sisters-in-law Charlotte Potter and Sue Slusher. She had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family whom she cherished.
A bookkeeper at heart, Dolores worked at Bulldog/ITE, Benjamin Logan School as a cook and proudly served her beloved hometown of West Mansfield as village clerk, taking over for her father after his untimely death and later as utilities clerk.
A member of the West Mansfield Methodist Church, she served on multiple committees, including the Ice Cream Social Task Force, United Methodist Women and sang in the choir. Dolores was devoted to community service and was a past member of the Kings Daughters Silver Circle and supported her husband for many years during his service with the Lions Club.
Dolores was a huge sports fan, especially basketball. She often referred to the NCAA March Madness as “the most wonderful time of the year.” She enjoyed cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, Tennessee Volunteers, and Texas Longhorns. She loved her Cincinnati Reds and the Big Red Machine, and her greatest wish was for Pete Rose to be in the Hall of Fame.
Dolores loved her family deeply and enjoyed their get-togethers, food fights, and card games. She and Dick traveled all over the United States, with San Francisco and Tarpon Springs having a special place in her heart.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 16th, at the West Mansfield Methodist Church. Pastor David Wilson will conduct a memorial service at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Shawn Sadler, Taylor, Colin and Hunter Foreman, Connor and Ashton Whitt, and Jamie and Cole Harbour. Honorary Pallbearers are Duane, Ron and Zac Atkinson, and Mark Oswald
Memorial contributions can be made to Benjamin Logan Schools Attn: Food Services Department 4626 Co Rd 26 Bellefontaine Ohio 43311, helping those with late lunch charges so that they may enjoy a warm meal during the school day. Arrangements are being handled by Wilson Funeral Home, Schnurrenberger Chapel 222 W. Center St. West Mansfield. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilsonfuneralhomesinc.com
