Joan was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Bolivar, and graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1949. She took a secretarial position after high school and many years later worked at Heritage Cutlery in Bolivar. Joan and her husband, “Arnie,” were entrepreneurs, owning the teen spot in Bolivar called the Morgue, the Village Inn Restaurant and Tavern on the Beers years later. A few of her many hobbies included gardening, painting, reading, crafts and genealogy. She also loved to cook for her family. But, she would say one of her greatest accomplishments was her family. Her family loved gatherings in her cozy basement room, where she spent many evenings with her hubby before his death, watching old western movies, or having a few drinks while listening to their old country music.
Surviving are eight children, Mike (Patsy) Pettit of Little Genesee, Linda (John) Innamorato of Bolivar, Shawn (Rebecca) Pettit of Bolivar, Frank (April) Pettit of Little Genesee; Pam (Donald) Colerick of Little Genesee; Ron (DeLisa) Pettit of Smithville, Texas, Kim (Pat) Torrey of Bolivar and Barb (Curtis) Burdick of Little Genesee; 40 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and three siblings, Pete (Pat) McKay, Less (Dee) McKay and Tom (Becky) McKay.
So, what is she doing right now you may wonder? Well, she’s probably at dad’s side being shown around her new home by Judy, Art and Andy with Grampa and Gramma McKay sitting back in their rockers enjoying it all. I’m sure she keeps Betty’s hair combed pretty, and is having a great time with her sister Shirley, brother Jerry and the many other family and friends who went before her.
There will be no prior visitation. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 4, 2017) at Faith Bible Church in Little Genesee, which she attended for many years. Pastor Ben Ramirez will officiate. Friends and family are invited to attend.
Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to Hart Comfort House 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. Bolivar.
