Nancy Lee Gibbs Petty

Nancy Lee Petty, 89, of Burnet passed away on Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, two weeks before her ninetieth birthday. She was surrounded by family and caregivers. Nancy was born April 4, 1936, to Asa Meredith Gibbs and Nannie Katie (McFarlin) Gibbs. Born and raised in Burnet, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Nancy attended Burnet schools and graduated as the Salutatorian of the Burnet High School Class of 1954. She was a majorette in the marching band and member of the school chorus. As a senior, Nancy was crowned “Sweetheart” of Burnet High School class of ’54. The award was presented to her by the Superintendent J.C. Petty, who would later become her father-in-law.

After graduating from Burnet High School, Nancy attended Texas Christian University, where she sang in the choir and studied English. She later married and welcomed two children, Bill and Sarah Hyde, whom she adored.

After leaving Burnet for several years, Nancy returned in 1976. While attending a Burnet High School homecoming football game with her sister, Nancy reunited with former classmate and commercial airline pilot Dale B. Petty, son of J.C. Petty. Dale and Nancy married in 1977 and celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in February 2026. After Dale retired, Nancy and Dale spent many happy years traveling and spending time with friends and family. They often said that the happiest time of their lives was spent with their daughter, Sarah, and their grandson, Dane. Nancy enjoyed cooking and gardening, and she was an avid reader.

A devout Christian, Nancy was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Burnet, where she volunteered as part of the alter guild and as a lay reader, and served on the vestry. Nancy met the challenges of life with faith and kindness. She will be deeply missed.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Dale, daughter Sarah Hyde and partner Joe Hajek, her grandson Dane Warren and partner Harley Roberts, and by her great-granddaughter, Agatha Elaine Roberts-Warren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Sue Brunson and husband Doug, Eddie Snider and wife Cynthia Ross, Alan Snider and wife Kathy, George Oakley and wife Tammye, James Oakley and wife Julie, Nancy Stricker and husband Eddie, and Kathy Smith and husband Jeff, brother-in-law Dr. Winfield P. Betty and wife Kathleen, as well as Joe Hajek’s daughters Sarah Grace and Kristen Hajek. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Norma “Pokey” Oakley and Patsy Betty, brother-in-law Roy Oakley, and her cherished son Bill Hyde.

The Memorial Service for Nancy will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 11:30 AM at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Burnet officiated by Reverend Michael Long. A private family committal service and burial of Nancy's urn will take place at the Burnet City cemetery where she will be buried next to her parents, son Bill, and sister Pat.

The family would like to extend particular thanks to New Century Hospice and Right at Home for their tireless care and warmth at the end of Nancy’s life.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to the Herman Brown free library in Burnet, the American Cancer Society, or to a charitable organization of your choosing.