Evelyn Eloise (Athon) Pettit, 80, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, December 28, 2018 at her home under Hospice care and family by her side.

The daughter of Ernal Ross and Opal Lenora (Wiedenkoffer) Athon, Evelyn was born July 3, 1938 in Green Castle, Missouri. On June 27, 1960 in Kansas City, MO, Evelyn was united in marriage to Merl Pettit who preceded her in death on May 6, 1999. She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Everett, Kenneth, Ernal Lee, Donald and Asa and one sister, Sharon Snow.

Evelyn is survived by one son, Dwayne Pettit of Kirksville, MO; three daughters, Ginger (Jim) Reed, Debra McKim, and Diane (Mark) Boston all of Kirksville, MO; one brother, Larry Athon of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Velma Waddill of Nixa, MO; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews and great nieces including four very special to her heart.

Evelyn was a life long resident of Adair County and received her education in the Maple Grove rural school. She was a homemaker who enjoyed the great outdoors, baby sitting, game shows, bowling (being voted this year into the Bowling Hall of Fame), TV series, following Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR races, but most of all she loved time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Doug Athon presiding. Interment will follow at Ringo Point Cemetery, southwest of Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Jason Stewart, Joshua Stewart, Joseph Stewart, Christian Stewart, Nicholes Boston, and C.J. Porter.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Evelyn Pettit may be made to NEMO Senior Citizens in care of Meals on Wheels and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.