Michelle Pettitt

MICHELLE PETTITT

Marion

Michelle Lynn Pettitt, 48, died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Michelle lived her life to the fullest – being a fearless, independent and strong-willed woman, achieving many amazing accomplishments, inspiring us all to take on new challenges. Michelle's life experiences included accomplishments such as graduating from Washington High School, living in her own apartment, being an editor and writer for the Citizen Advocacy Press in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking classes at Kirkwood Community College and working at Grant Wood AEA for 20 years. She loved having a microphone in front of her and spoke at events like the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference and disability-related workshops.

She had a very active lifestyle participating in softball, tennis, bowling, basketball, biking, track, horseback riding, swimming and downhill skiing, earning many medals and ribbons. The medals of which she was most proud of were the gold and silver she won for downhill skiing at the 2005 International Special Olympics Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.

Beyond sports, her passions were Dukes of Hazzard, Notre Dame football, playing drums, eating out at 16th Avenue Grill and karaoke.

Michelle brought joy to so many people with her fun spirit, wonderful smiles, giggles and most of all, her teasing to get you to smile and enjoy life! She cherished her friendships made through her jobs and her many activities. Discovery Living, To The Rescue, ARC of East Central Iowa, Camp Courageous and Camp Wyoming, Milky Way Masters Swimming and Special Olympics all were sources of wonderful relationships that enhanced her quality of life.

Michelle is survived by her loving parents, Geri and Jim Pettitt; her adoring sisters, Lisa Pettitt (Dave Kenney), Shannon Pettitt (Tony Stack) and Beth Pettitt (Andy Wubbels), as well as her fun-loving nieces and nephews, Sophia, Teresa, Hugh, Josh, Tyler and June; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family is grateful to all those who provided supportive services throughout her life and especially during Michelle's last several years with dementia.

Funeral services: 10 a.m. on Saturday at Teahen Funeral Home. Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday and after 9 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Friday evening's visitation will include a prayer service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at teahenfuneralhome.com.