Betty J. Pettis

BETTY J. PETTIS
Termite has left the building. Yes, the woman known as “Termite” by her late husband Robert Pettis Sr. has left this earth to be with the LORD. She left her physical body early on the morning of August 19, 2021 with her family nearby.  Betty was born February 28, 1931 to the late Floyd and Florence Adams. She was born in the midst of the depression and attended Rice Ave High school where she was a cheerleader and a French Horn player.
She married Robert Pettis in 1949 and began to raise her family in Springfield Township. Although small in stature, (she was 4’ 11”) she was mighty in caring for her family. While her husband was working on the railroad and then driving truck, she began what started as a laborer at the Model Works in Girard, then traveling to Ashtabula Ohio, back to Girard, at Morlite. Over the years while her family grew, (three older intelligent siblings with two rascals showing up years later), Betty went to school for cosmetology and had her own beauty shop in their home. After becoming disenchanted with doing hair, she went on to the vo-tech school where she became a machinist at Clifton Automatic. It should be noted that in her late 70’s and early 80’s she worked part time at Disney World until she spoke disparaging words about Mickey Mouse and was fired.
She and her husband loved to travel and visited Hawaii, Alaska, and many places in between. They spent summers for many years at a campground in Andover and Wintered in Florida.  
Betty loved animals, (her cemetery monument speaks of the dogs she loved but nary a child’s name), crab legs (which was her last supper), pickles which she handed out to numerous people, and Chex Mix which became a Christmas tradition. 
Most important to Betty were people. She loved the many young people that entered her home and had many friends over the years. She loved playing cards and was notorious for her skill at Hand and Foot. 
In addition to her husband Bob, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Ray, Wanda, Donna, Evelyn and Mark. 
Betty is survived by her children Fay Trimble (William), Robert Jr. (Travis Jean), Diana Prindle (K.J. Santrum), Jack (Tiffany), Mark (Brittney) Rick Godfrey who was like a son to her, and Philip Whipple who lived with the family for several years.
She is further survived by her best friends, who were like family, Frank and Betty Scalise, as well as her sister in law Nancy Adams. From the union of Bob and Betty there are 12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. There are many nieces and nephews scattered across the country. 
Special appreciation to her niece Susie Lawrence who spent many hours with Betty caring for her in the hospital and in the home. Also, a special notice to her nieces Linda Smith and Jan Berninni. Betty and her husband Bob had many friends but had a special relationship with John and Esther McMillen. 
Visitation will be observed at the Edder Funeral Home in Girard on Monday, August 23rd 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.. A service for Betty will be held immediately after visitation led by Dr. Edward Huntley. Private burial, will occur at a later date. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Springfield Fire Department, 11959 Main Street, East Springfield, PA. 16411.
To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com

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