Barbara J. Pettit

Barbara J. Pettit, 82, of Quincy, IL passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 in her son’s home surrounded by her son, daughter and many family members. She was born in Odell, IL on January 31, 1939 to Andrew and Mary (Duay) Bellis. Barb grew up on the family farm and was one of thirteen children. Barb met the love of her life Jim Pettit while waitressing at a truck stop. They were happily married 57 years and together raised two children. She was a longtime member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Quincy where she was an Angel Duster and helped with funeral dinners. Barb also volunteered for many years at St. Vincent’s Nursing Home where she enjoyed playing the organ and assisting on bingo night. She loved bargain shopping earning her the nickname “Bargain Barbie” by a family friend. She also loved decorating her home for all of the holidays. Barb will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her son, David (Lisa) Pettit of Rockford, IL; her daughter, Pam (Jim) Shepard of Bloomington, IL; her grandchildren, Courtney Pettit of Pasadena, CA, Carley (David) Huhtelin of Rockford, IL; Casey (Nick) Naber of Rockford, IL and Michael Shepard of Arlington, VA; her brothers, Dick (Darlene) Bellis of Grayslake, IL, John (Vicki) Bellis of Racine, WI and Mike (Sue) Bellis of Bradley, IL; her sisters, Delores (Millard) Maxson of Chatsworth, IL, Peggy Agamy of Elwood, IL, Minnie Brown of St. Peters, MO, Judy (Norm) Lewis of Dwight, IL, Debbie Shepherd of Elburn, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim in 2017; her brothers, Gene Bellis and Larry Bellis; her sisters Therese Pinkston and Catherine Riccolo.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sarah Becks, Michael Hicks, and Parker for all of their love and support.

A celebration of Barb’s life will take place on March 20 at the Quincy Mall Community room from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barb’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com