Idena East Petty

“Your mom is so sweet and always smiles!” Well, on October 25th, 2026 her smile became brighter as Idena O. Petty entered the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, heaven eternal. Born May 27th, 1933 to Ernest Duerell and Edna Idena East. Idena (or as her friends called her, Dena) was born at home and grew up in Travis Heights, Austin Texas. She was the middle of three girls, practically inseparable. At the age of nine, her father died, leaving her mother to find work to support the three girls. Dena always marveled at her mother’s ability to make ends meet and still have enough to help others, especially during the WWII days. One of her fondest memories was of the three girls sitting on the front porch steps, singing the afternoons away…Apparently the neighbors didn’t mind :)

Dena was an excellent student, skipping the second half of fifth and the first half of sixth grades, then receiving no less than an A all the way through the first twelve years of school, with the exception of one B in high school. She loved choir, was also an accomplished cellist, but a frustrating pianist, as she played by ear, not notes, much to the chagrin of her mother and teacher!

While she attended the University of Texas and working part-time, she met Wildon H. Petty, with whom she became smitten and then married March 10th, 1956. After living a short time in Austin and San Antonio, they settled near Georgetown, TX. The first dairy they ran was part of the Southwestern University property, across from the City cemetery. They lived there approximately ten years, and then bought a dairy a mile off I-35, near Walburg TX. Throughout these years, they had six children (Sadly the first, Donna, died at seven months.), three girls and three boys.

Dairy days were filled with really hard work, but included award winning holsteins and provided each of the five offspring with a strong work ethic…whether they liked it or not! During this time, besides day-to-day parenting, Dena’s days were filled with PTL, church bake sales—such a good baker!—loading the station wagon with as many school kids as possible and carting them back and forth from sports and school activities, years of Wurstbrauten, singing in the church choir, and the business of country life in general. It was during these years she built some life-long friendships, which she counted as gifts from God to her dying day.

As the children got older and moved to their life’s work, so her work changed too. The dairy, cattle, and most of the land was sold, and she began working for salary again. There were two jobs in particular she loved. The first was as a proof-reader for the Williamson County Sun. She also became one of the staff writers, covering topics like high school sports, weddings, county school meetings, a cooking column, area events, and even the occasional editorial. In fact, on such editorial she was a little feisty, a little surprising to those who knew her :) She was very proud of her work there, with good reason!

The other job from which she found much joy was working in the Registrar’s office at Concordia Lutheran College, Austin TX. She was loved for her sunny disposition and professionalism. In fact, she came to be known lovingly as “Ma Petty”!

In 2010, Wildon died, but her days were filled with grandchildren (later great-grands), some 25 years of Braille work, weekly Wednesday Women at Weir get-togethers, and taking regular day trips with her sisters to find another great donut shop!She was exceedingly blessed to live with daughter and son-in-law, Leah and Rick, the last four an a half years, as well as every Thursday with son, Mark, who took her driving and looking at scenery she may or may not have seen before.

Things she loved: mountains, statuesque trees, wild life, babies, familial peace, chocolate, and Fall Leaves!

Things she hated: Political and Lawyer ads, prejudice, honey, and cooked raisins.

For taking such loving care of Dena, the family extends gratitude to Loretta and Tiffany Sedwick and Mary Robinson, may she rest in peace.

Dena leaves the following: Diane and Detlef Kemnitz (sons Alec and Kirk and spouses); Mark and Janeane Petty (daughters Kelsey, Corin, Loghan and spouses); Wade and Michelle Petty (sons Casey (and spouse), Chase, Caleb and daughter Kylie); Leah and Rick Rowe (daughters Jessica and Jackie and spouses); Dean Petty (daughter Rachel), as well as five great grands.

To God Be the Glory. Great things He has done! We look forward to seeing you in Heaven Mom!