Celia Nell Pettus

Celia Nell Pettus, 81 of Independence, MO, born on Nov. 13, 1931 and raised in Midland, AR passed into the arms of our Lord on Aug. 31, 2013; surrounded by family with the care of KC Hospice at her home.  Celia was preceded in passing by Father, Aaron Stankewitz, Mother, Thelma Allen Stankewitz, Sister, Barbara Smith and 4 mo old baby Brother Wm. (Bill) Stankewitz.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Ellison and son-in-law Richard Ellison, Pamela Pettus and life partner Marilyn Rhodes, son Shaun Pettus, granddaughter Stephanie Swope and grandson-in-law Joseph Swope, Brother Aron  Stankewitz, sister-in-law Eun H. Stankewitz, nephew Samuel Stankewitz and wife Sommer, Brooklyn, Gabriel and all residents of Moore, OK, three nieces Candace Barbee, Kim Richmond, and Kristal Enloe, four great nephews and three great nieces and many relatives in the Fort Smith, AR and surrounding area.

Celia Nell Pettus was a Daughter, Sister, Mother, Aunt and Grandmother and lived an honest and honorable life.  Not only did she overcome being an amputee at the age of 15 she went on to raise two daughters, a son, and a granddaughter.  She was our protector and gave us guidance and encouragement and always had a wonderful capacity to listen without ever saying a word.  She was not one to speak out unless she really wanted to be heard and she always did that when it meant protecting her family.  She was a lioness with her cubs in the true sense of what that “really” means.

Among her other accomplishments and victories in this life she was a devoted housewife, an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader and world traveler as she spent years abroad in her younger years in Saudi Arabia with Husband Harold Pettus and daughters, Deborah Ellison and Pamela Pettus.  She retired from GSA in 2003. She was a devoted matriarch to our family and will be missed so very much.  There are so many beautiful stories to tell about this woman but she will live in all our hearts until we meet her again.

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Cremation through Signature Funerals at 8019 State Line Rd, KC, MO 64114.  A private memorial service will be held with family and friends at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to KC Hospice and Palliative care at kchospice.org for without their Heart and Honor of dignity our family would not have had the precious moments with her. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.