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BORN
1955
DIED
2020
Ron Pettit Obituary
Scottsdale - Ron Pettit passed away in Scottsdale on July 5, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. He was born on August 10, 1955 in the Panama Canal Zone where his father was a Captain the U.S. Army's Dental Corp.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Bob and Kay Pettit and his younger brother Nathan. He is survived by his brother Ira Pettit and Donna Tash; sister Leta and Bill Wells; niece Alisha (Wells) Taylor, James, and their son Nicholas; niece Carissa (Wells) Cornelius and Dylan; Gartrell family cousins and children; best friends Chris and Lysa Hughes & Carmen Galang.
Ron attended Paiute and Hopi Elementary Schools, Arcadia High School and Arizona State University, where he received his Bachelor of Music and Teaching degree.
Ron was a very competitive athlete, excelling in judo and ice hockey through his early teens.
Ron taught guitar lessons for 40+ years at several music stores, all in the Scottsdale and Shea vicinity. He was a lead guitar and vocalist in many bands over the same time span, also frequently filling in on keyboards. Ron joined Maui Beach Band led by his close friend Alan Flowers in the late 80s. Ron performed in the Rave, a British Invasion band, for about 20 years until his passing.
Ron was a gifted guitar player at a young age. George Harrison of the Beatles was his inspiration.
While in 8th Grade, local kids all the way through high school upper classmen would drop in to hear his note-for-note pitch-perfect guitar riffs, emulating the most well-known lead guitarists of the late 60s. Ron's played all that by ear, without the written music.
Ron was extremely conscientious and meticulous in all aspects of music. He customized every guitar lesson for each of his students according to their needs and abilities.
Ron was active in several church band ministries over the past 20 years, even intermittently filling in as guest musical director at churches he did not regularly attend.
Ron was the band leader and musical director at Scottsdale Worship Center for the past 8 years.
Ron's love for the Lord found expression through his many kind and thoughtful actions. He quietly and generously gave his time, talents, and finances wherever he saw a need.
Ron felt blessed to work for Bob Fraley Ministries, assisting in his Christian book distribution outreach.
Ron's memorial service will be held at Scottsdale Worship Center, 6508 E. Cactus Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254 on Saturday, October 17th at 1 pm. Social distancing and masks are requested. Or scroll down to Join the Livestream at https://swconline.net/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ron Pettit
Ryan Abraham
May 9, 2025
I found out recently of Ron´s passing. As an 8th grader new to Arizona, I was lucky enough to find him as my guitar teacher back in 1998 and even then, was always mesmerized by his talents. Even cooler to find out was that we happened to go to the same church. Even through college I would intermittently jump back into lessons with him - not just because he was such a gifted player and teacher, but because he was truly an exceptional human being. My biggest regret was not keeping in better touch with him. Can´t believe it´s been nearly 5 years. I look forward to the day I see you on the other side my friend... but until then- I have no doubt you´re dazzling everyone upstairs with your talents.
eric holland
September 27, 2022
I THINK of RON aways and i as always envious of his talent and enjoyed his friendship to me----we met every six months or so at the guitar galleria in Scottsdale
Iris Puerto
October 15, 2020
Ron is a living testimony that FAMILY is not always about blood. He is a true gentleman who showed great respect and brought joy to my mom and I guess to everyone that he knew. And though he will be sorely missed, the thought that he's already sitting on the lap of his great creator, brings comfort to those who has been left behind. We will see you at the end Ron, but for now, do your thing and make some music up there!
- Iris & Family
Holland Family: Brandon, Chris and Donna
October 14, 2020
We had the privilege to call Ron Pettit, family. Over the past 30+ years our family celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with Ron, Carmen, Leta, Bill and all our amazing children. Ron would bring joy, singing, and his amazing humor to every family gathering. He is deeply loved and greatly missed ❤
Eric Holland
October 11, 2020
Ron was admired and loved by all the musicians that were lucky enough to see him perform and talented enough to play alongside of him. Back in the “day” the only Beatles album I did not have was titled Beatles 65.......and in 1965 my parents would always stop off at Ron’s house after church and I would immediately dart to his Bedroom and he would play all the album cuts that were new to me and let me hear him play perfect leads and rhythms ......other times our families would go to the White Mountains and fish other times to the Verde River........He always smiled and always made eye contact...... Ron was as perfect as a person can be.
Eric
October 11, 2020
Ron was admired and loved by all the musicians that were lucky enough to see him perform and talented enough to play alongside of him. Back in the “day” the only Beatles album I did not have was titled Beatles 65.......and in 1965 my parents would always stop off at Ron’s house after church and I would immediately dart to his Bedroom and he would play all the album cuts that were new to me and let me hear him play perfect leads and rhythms ......other times our families would go to the White Mountains and fish other times to the Verde River........He always smiled and always made eye contact...... Ron was as perfect as a person can be.
Rosanne Hennessy
October 5, 2020
Ron was a special friend to many of us. He had such a beautiful and compassionate heart. Always there to help anyone who needed it and always putting others first. You are missed dear friend and musketeer. ❤
Joyce and Joe Leonardi
October 4, 2020
Ron was a friend in my church I always loved seeing him, his constant smile and he always made m feel better. He cared about us. Joyce and I will miss his profound musical gifts but much more his encouragement and unconditional love. Just seeing Ron made us happy. He will be missed! He just accepted and loved everyone!
Christa Ketcham
October 3, 2020
Ron is a dear friend and brother in Christ. It was a joy and blessing to serve in the music ministry under his direction at Scottsdale Worship Center. I miss his talent and friendship more than I can say. He is one of a kind. A true gem.
Jeff Kelly
October 3, 2020
Ron was a great friend, musician, composer and person. He was funny and fun to be around. I met Ron at ASU in the marching band. Deb & I hired him to play at our wedding and reception. Our daughter loved ‘Reginald McDonald Potato-head,’ so much so, That he was the only one of Our friends she invited to her college graduation party. Ron and I hiked many times and backpacked several times. We miss him muchly.
Karen Allen
October 3, 2020
I remember playing the piano with Ron playing his guitar Freshman year at Arcadia we were going to be rock stars He left us too soon I’ll miss hearing his music, but heaven gained an artist prayers to the family for peace and comfort .
XXOO Karen Leonard Allen
Melody (Snook) Belloff
October 2, 2020
Ron and I went to grade school together at Hopi. One year there was a dance and I felt very shy until Ron asked me to dance. Ron had a way of being so very kind and of making everyone around him feel comfortable. Although he had many friends throughout the school years, he was always kind to everyone. In high school, the time went fast and we all tried our best to balance school, work and fun. After high school, I bumped into Ron one night when he was one of the stars in the band. Ron kept his humility and kindness. Thank you for blessing this earth Ron.
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