Ardene Elsie Petronsky

Mrs. Ardene Elsie Petronsky (Gravius), age 83, of Mesa (formerly Buffalo NY), passed away Sunday morning, January 12, 2025, at her residence. She was born February 14, 1942, in Erie County, Buffalo NY, a daughter of the late Charles (Duke) and Bernice Gravius. Ardene was also proceeded in death by her siblings, Bernice Domes, Joan Neill & George Sweenie.
Ardene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Stephen Petronsky, her son Stephen Petronsky, daughter Carolynn and son-in-law Jason Delgado, her six grandchildren, Brandy Petronsky, Lindsay Colombe, Stephen Petronsky, Shane Murphy and Jamie & Kaitlyn Lovejoy. She was also a great-grandmother to Skylar, Parker, Lucy, Hailey, Jacey, Allison & Emma. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.
Ardene loved spending time in ShowLow at their cabin, loved to travel and in the past 7 years found going on cruises to be a favorite thing. If there was a party and there was dancing, Ardene would kick off her shoes and be out there dancing up a storm.
Ardene beat the odds several times. First, at 6 years old, she was struck by a car and received life threatening head injuries, was given last rights and wound up pulling through. Later, a few years later, she had an abdominal growth that had to be removed and survived. Later in life, Ardene beat breast cancer and remained cancer free for 20 years. Lastly, a stroke with a brain bleed almost claimed her, but she survived and we were granted 4 more years with her.
Ardene blessed her family with a departure we can only dream of. She awoke in the morning, did her hair, got dressed (something she didn't regularly do anymore due to her health issues) and got ready like she was going somewhere. She was excited to watch her Buffalo Bills football team play. (They reciprocated by giving her a win!) Ardene laid down and instead, closed her eyes and went to be with our Heavenly Father and Family. Steve, her husband and her daughter were amazed when they saw, she literally had a smile on her face. It was so comforting and peaceful. Ardene had spoken many times recently of seeing her parents and siblings in her dreams. There is no doubt they were all there to welcome her home.
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Bunker Family University Chapel, 3529 E University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85212
Officiated by Paster Luke Hennings from St. Luke Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Bunker's University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.