Rose Pettit

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life richly lived, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Rose Pettit on April 26, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on March 4, 1938, in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky, Rose was a spirited soul whose warmth and tenacity touched everyone she met. Her final moments were spent in peace at the Cypress Care Facility, surrounded by love and comfort. Rose was the cherished daughter of Dawson and Helen (Wittenauer) Self, both of whom predeceased her, along with her brothers, James Self and Dawson Self. Her legacy, however, lives on in the hearts of her surviving family and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 54 years, Giles Pettit, with whom she built a life brimming with laughter and love, raising nine beautiful children. Rose is survived by her children, David See and wife Joyce, Greta See and husband Ray, Jeff Pettit and wife Mindi, and Michael Pettit. She was also the proud and loving matriarch to numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories they created together. Her siblings, Butch Self, Barbara Fry, and Grace Rogers, along with extended family and many close friends, join in celebrating her remarkable life. Throughout her career in the service industry, Rose exhibited a dedication and work ethic that were second to none, all while nurturing a bustling household. Her love for cooking was legendary, a passion she shared generously with family and friends. Whether through her lovingly prepared flower arrangements, her intricate small crafts, or her culinary delights, Rose's creativity knew no bounds. A woman of strength and candor, Rose was known for her spicy and opinionated nature, a testament to her authenticity and straightforwardness. Her family and friends admired her unwavering honesty and the way she embraced life with open arms. Rose was a proud and active member of the First Baptist Church of Umatilla, where she found solace and community. Rose found joy in the simple pleasures of life—spending time with her family, embarking on beach vacations, and leaving a trail of love wherever she went. Her legacy is a tapestry of cherished memories woven with love, laughter, and the occasional playful debate. A celebration of Rose's life will be held on May 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the See's Ocklawaha Residence, located at 11060 SE 132nd Pl, Ocklawaha, Florida 32179. Friends and family are invited to gather in her honor, sharing stories and memories that reflect the indelible mark she left on our hearts. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Vitas Health Care for their outstanding hospice care service, ensuring Rose's journey was filled with dignity and compassion. Your support and guidance were invaluable, and we are forever thankful. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Rose's name, perpetuating her spirit of generosity and love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a beacon of love and strength.