Ethel O. Pettit, 79, active in church

Ethel O. Pettit of Blacksmith Ridge, a homemaker who was active in church work, died on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at Carolton Manor in Fairfield, after a long illness. She was 79 years old and the widow of Dr. Gordon Pettit Sr.

Mrs. Pettit was born in Bridgeport on Oct. 22, 1925, a daughter of Gonburg Hillgren and Stanley Sven Olson.

A homemaker, she had been very active in The First Congregational Church, and had been an early volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program.

Her husband, a longtime Ridgefield dentist, died in 1993. They had been married in 1964 in the First Congregational Church.

Mrs. Pettit is survived by a sister, Jean Langan of Southport; a stepson, Gordon Pettit Jr. and Patricia Pettit of Ridgefield; a stepdaughter, Helen Pettit Murratti of Branford; three stepgrandsons and three step great-grandsons; nine nieces and nephews; and 13 grandnieces and nephews.

Her sister, Norma Anderson, died before her.

A memorial service will be take place Saturday, May 28, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Ministry of the First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield CT 06877 or any other organization of your choice.

Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.