Atha B. Petty

Atha Bowen Petty 1917 - 2013 Atha Bowen Petty, age 95, passed peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 2013 of causes incident to age. She was born on November 25, 1917 in Arimo, Idaho. She is survived by her sister, Afton Hyde of Washington Terrace, Utah, two sons, Jon Curtis Wood (Cheryl) of Benicia, California and Scott Riley Wood (K’Lynn) of Alpine, Utah, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great grand children and one great grand child due in April. She was preceded in death by her sister Fern Hodson, her brother Jean Donald Bowen, and her three (yes, three) loving husbands Frank (Woody) Adrian Wood, Charles (Chic) Watland Cornell, and Carmine Nicholas Petty. At the time of her death, Mom was still actively teaching piano students. Mom grew up in Malad, Idaho and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University at age 20 (yes, age 20). Following college, she started teaching at Boothe Valley School, a one-room school with all eight grades in the farming and ranching community of Promontory, Utah. Mom completely won over the community by introducing these children to music and creating a Christmas program unlike any the community had seen. A young widower, Frank Adrian Wood, returned at Christmas time to visit his family, and the two of them were taken with each other. They parted reluctantly and each week following brought at least 3 letters and eventually a proposal. They married in 1939 and Woody took her to California to seek their fortune. They were both part of the war effort (WWII), Mom as a payroll clerk and Woody as a welder and ship fitter, both at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Mom then took a teaching position in Vallejo, beginning a teaching career that spanned four decades. Within a year of the birth of her second son in December 1953, Woody suffered a massive heart attack and was hospitalized for many weeks. After two years of illness, Woody passed away. Through a school teacher friend, Afton Harvey, Mom met Chic. He was a fun-loving man who not only fell in love with Mom, he loved her two sons. The deal was sealed when Jon told them, “Why don’t you marry Mom? We need a Daddy”. They married in 1958 and sealed their marriage in the Oakland temple in 1965. Tragically, Chic suffered a fatal heart attack in September 1966. Mom, irrepressible as ever, pressed on, raising her 2 boys, teaching school, organizing glee clubs, continuing her music studies, adding additional certifications to her teaching credentials, serving in church, and teaching private piano. Mom was greatly comforted by her family and friends, especially Marjorie Parks and Margie Shallenberger Rose, who became fast friends. In 1969, Mom met Carmine Petty, who loved to dance, as did Mom. They danced together for a couple of years, their relationship developed seriously, and they married in 1971. She wrapped up her school teaching career in 1979. However, Mom lived by the motto, “Retire early and often”. In 1984, she and Carmine organized “Cherubs”, where she introduced preschoolers to music using the Orff and Kodaly method (the kids just thought they were having fun). They danced, sang, had finger plays, recited nursery rhymes, played rhythm instruments, played games, and enjoyed stories together. Carmine and Mom enjoyed 25 years together before his death in 1996. Mom loved to see people happy, loved music, and took great pride in her sons and grandchildren. She taught us the value of dedication, hard work, independence, and a love of God. She was a “party animal”, always putting together gatherings for friends and family. She made sure no one was left out and knew how to draw out the best in people. We will have a Celebration of Life on Thursday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 110 Los Santos Court, Vallejo, California. Friends who would like to share some time with the family may stop by the church from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday March 20 or from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of the LDS church (send to local congregation or to PEF/50 E. North Temple,/SLC, UT/84150, in memory of Atha Petty). Mom, from all your family and friends, We Love You.

Atha B. Petty

November 25, 1917 - March 18, 2013