Viola “Vi” Pettay, 75, died February 23, 2024 at Hospice House, Hutchinson, surrounded by her entire family. She was born August 4, 1948 in Great Bend, Kansas, to Leonard & Maxine (Trent) Mings.
On May 22, 1965, she married the love of her life, Jack Pettay, in Hutchinson, KS. They shared over 58 3/4 years of marriage.
For most of her adult life, Vi thrived as a home-maker and volunteered in her church and the community. When Vi was not with her family, she was working in the service industry – from JC Penny’s to Sirloin Stockade to Bogey’s – she never met a stranger. She had an incredible capacity to make every person feel like the most special person in her presence. Children instinctively loved her and were drawn to her.
Vi had an unconquerable faith in her Savior Jesus Christ and was an exceptional wife and mother. She was kind, vivacious, quick-witted, and generous. She always saw the best in others - constantly rooting for the “underdogs” of life. Even though she faced years of health challenges, she remained the ultimate optimist.
Living to cherish her memory are: her loving husband, Jack Pettay of Hutchinson; sons, Karol Pettay of Hutchinson, Roger (Laura) Pettay of Virginia, and Mark Pettay (Amanda Rigg) of Hutchinson; 5 grandchildren: Nicholas Rizzo, Lauren (Justin) Phinney, Lance Pettay, Logan (Steven) Rose, Meadow Pettay; 3 great-grandchildren: Brendyn Bickel, Zaedyn Butterworth, and Wren Phinney (and one on the way); her beloved sister, Carroll Farrow of St. John; brother-in-law Everett Pettay of Hutchinson, along with numerous cherished nieces and nephews, and “adopted daughters.”
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Maxine Ruth, her parents, step-mother, a brother and two sisters, her parents-in-law, and numerous cherished brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Elliott Chapel, with Vi’s son, Pastor Roger Pettay officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Gifts in honorarium may be given to Hospice House of Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.