Dr. Robert "Bob" Pettit

FUNERAL HOME

Greenwood/Memory Lawn Mortuary & Cemetery

2300 West Van Buren

Phoenix, Arizona

Robert Pettit Obituary

Pettit, Dr. Robert (Bob)
Dr. Robert (Bob) Pettit passed away in Scottsdale on September 23, 2015 due to complications from cumulative silent strokes. He was born on June 19, 1929 in Douglas, Arizona. Bob attended Kenilworth Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1947 as Class President, valedictorian, and was in ROTC. He remained active in the PUHS Alumni Association, organizing Reunions, volunteering as a docent and fund raiser. He treasured friendships from his youth. Bob married Kay Gartrell in April 1950 in Phoenix. After 2 years of premed studies at UofA in Tucson, he graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1953. He was a Captain the U.S. Army's Dental Corp in the Panama Canal Zone until returning to Phoenix in 1957. He retired from his dental practice in Phoenix in 1994. Bob was very active in Creighton Christian Church for 25 years as an Elder, Chairman of the Board and Treasurer. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Jessie Pettit, his wife Kay, of 56 years, and his youngest son Nathan. He is survived by his brother-in law Joe Gartrell and Dana; son Ira and Donna Tash; son Ron; daughter Leta and Bill Wells; granddaughter Alisha (Wells) Taylor, James, and their son Nicholas; granddaughter Carissa (Wells) Cornelius and Dylan; nephew Mike Gartrell Sr; Mike and Jeannie's children: Meagan, Mia, Mike, Morgan, and Matt; nieces Ginger (Gartrell) Miner and Elizabeth (Gartrell) Abikzer; dear friends Mike and Jeannie Kading and their children: Amber, Sarah, Emily, and Amy. He was a member of First Families of Arizona and the Last Man's Club from the downtown Phoenix neighborhoods.
Bob Pettit directly helped others as a way of life. He deeply impacted many lives with his kindness, compassion, generosity and thoughtful insight. He quietly gave many thousands of hours of pro bono dentistry for the benefit of less fortunate people, equal to years of full time work, without expecting recognition or fanfare. A graveside service will be held at the Greenwood Memorial Lawn's Serenity Chapel, 2300 West Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009, 602-254-8491, at 10 am on Tuesday, October 6th. A memorial service will be held later at Scottsdale Worship Center, 6508 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254 at 2 pm on Thursday, October 15th. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated for the YMCA, Bob's home away from home in his youth, or for the Gift of Trees at http://www.americanforests.org/.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Oct. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pettit

9 Entries

Vestula Turman

October 11, 2015

It was a delight to have worked with Bob on the Phoenix Union High School Alumni Association Board. I loved his precision and efficiency in everything that he did. His quick wit and sense of humor were so pleasant to have experienced.

Maryanne Kremer-Ames

October 8, 2015

Thanks Ira, for sharing your Dad's obituary with me. I didn't know him, but what a wonderful man, he did so many good things and cared about others! May your family find peace in the knowledge and experience of his goodness!

Jeannie kading

October 6, 2015

My one true thing. What ever am I going to do without you. I'm truly happy for you and at the same time I'm frightened and sad. Now would be the time I would call you on the phone and you would listen and tell me everything is going to be ok. Besides my mom,You were the first person to love me. I love you

October 5, 2015

Bob was a classmate and a dear friend. He was a special person and so very kind to everyone. God Bless Dear Bob, rest in peace.

Roberta Doll Baert, class of 1947

T.Lyle Ferderber

October 5, 2015

Having known Dr. Pettit's son Ira for over 2 decades, I can certainly understand the care and compassion he raised his family and community with. Our actions touch others and I appreciate how my dear friend Ira was raised after learning more of the stature of his father. Our communities need more Dr. Robert Pettits. May the Pettit family find peace in these trying times.

Sherry

October 5, 2015

Uncle Bob was one of kind! HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR THE CHILDREN. He never missed anything that was important to them. Life would be so much better if only we all had an "Uncle Bob" may you rest in peace

Betty Ferderber

October 5, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting Bob two years ago when we celebrated my mother's 90th birthday, I understood immediately where Ira, (my brother-in-law), got his ease and pleasant disposition. I am so sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in all of your cherished memories.
Sincerely,
Betty Ferderber

Christy

October 4, 2015

Sorry for your loss. Dr. Bob was a great guy. He did a lot for Creighton Christian Church, also what dentist would open up his office on Memorial Day so that my sister could have a tooth pulled? Dr. Bob will be missed by lots. My prayers are with the family.

Bruce Fraizer

October 4, 2015

Please accept my deepest condolences. My prayers are with you at this time. I'll be missing Bob's warm smile at Last Man reunions, but the memories of his friendship from our days at Kenilworth School will be long lasting.

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