Ira Max Pettit

Ira Max Pettit, age 86, of 20696 Rainsboro Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147, died on Monday, September 10, 2007.

He was born in rural Tiro on December 11, 1920, the son of the late Ira and Blanche (Dick) Pettit. Known as Max to his family and friends, he grew up on the family farm outside Tiro. He graduated from Tiro High School in 1938 and attended the Ohio State University. He was a life-long Buckeye fan. Upon his return from Columbus, Max started his own farm across the road from his parents. In 1947 he married Martha Jane Baker. In the 1960’s the Max Pettit family moved to Arizona where Max began a new career as a postal employee. Upon his retirement from the Postal Service in 1980, Max and Jane lived in Alaska for two years, in the state of Washington for 18 years and in Virginia since 2000. While in Virginia, Max and Jane were able to travel to England and made several trips to the Caribbean. Max was an active member in the Masonic Lodge, becoming a Master Mason, and recently received his 60 year pin. He was a member of Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church in Yuma, Arizona where he served as an elder. He was also a Boy Scout troop leader.

Max is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Jane (Baker) Pettit; a son and his wife, Jim and Linda Pettit of Ashburn, VA; a daughter and her husband, Sarah and Tom Gardenhire of North Carolina; 4 grandchildren, Ben Pettit, Alicia Pettit, Melissa Gardenhire and Cynthia Gardenhire. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Geneve Nethers, Ava Arnold, Ila Pettit, and Edna Pettit.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.
The family would appreciate on-line condolences at:
penwellturner.com
The Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby is assisting the family.