Mary Alice Petty

Mary Alice (Stout) Petty, age 85, was born July 4, 1939, in Dardanelle, Arkansas, to Carroll and Mable Muckleroy. She peacefully entered Heaven on May 28, 2025, surrounded by her family near Woodlake, California—the cherished town she called home since childhood.

The youngest of five, Mary grew up with a spirit of curiosity and courtesy. She learned resilience and compassion from her parents and siblings, and she carried these virtues throughout her life. Mary was blessed with five beloved daughters—Deborah Showalter, Karen Lagow (David), Brenda Persall (Jack), Lorraine Hunter, and Carol Murch—as well as five stepchildren- Bill Sartin, Sherman Sartin, Christy Petty, Scott Petty, and Danielle Pointer. She also had 26 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Mary is survived by one brother LC Trimm of Visalia, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband Dan Petty, daughter Deborah, and stepson Scott.

Mary’s life was a radiant example of faith, hope, and love. From her earliest days helping her brothers as they picked cotton in Arkansas to her years as a devoted mother, musician, and educator, she lived with humility, faithfulness, and warmth. Her affectionate heart and gentle strength touched everyone she met. She inspired her daughters and grandchildren with the gifts of music and faith, singing gospel and teaching others to find joy in the Lord and hope in His promises. She was also exceptionally resourceful and knowledgeable learning many things from her father and from life experiences.

A tireless servant and role model, Mary played piano and directed choirs in local churches, served as a pastor, and comforted many through her powerful prayers and words of encouragement. Her wisdom and grace were matched only by her boundless generosity. Whether as a housewife, nurse, or school library volunteer, Mary poured her authentic and most sincere self into everything that she did, every opportunity that she had.

Her legacy is one of open arms, steadfast courage, and unconditional love. She showed by example how to trust God, to serve others, and to live with integrity. Even in life’s toughest trials, her faith never wavered as did her devotion to her family. To know her was to know the literal light of Christ.

As hard as it is, Mary would want us to celebrate her homegoing, not mourn her passing. She would urge us to keep the faith, to love one another, and continue her legacy of prayer, strength, and kindness.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race and kept the faith. Now there is in store for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award you and not only you, but also to all who have longed to see him.

May her memory ever be a blessing, may we not let her work go in vain, and may we honor her by carrying on her torch of being virtuous, lively, and faith filled.

May you live in Peace always and know that Jesus loves you.

Services will be held at the following locations.

June 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Woodlake Public Cemetery. Celebration of Life at 12:00 noon at New Life Assembly 525 E Palm in Exeter, California 93221. Reception following. Flowers can be sent to this address on the day of by 11:30am or to Brenda Persall at 399 E Wutchumna, Woodlake, CA 93286 by June 27, 2025.