Earnestine M. Petitt

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Earnestine Petitt; a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. Earnestine passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on March 7, 2025, in Henderson, Nevada.

Born on October 5, 1935, in Meeker, Oklahoma, to Grace and Herchell Wallace; Earnestine was one of thirteen siblings. Growing up on a farm, she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude for life’s simplest joys. Her deep connection to her roots was evident in the pride she carried for her Native American heritage as a member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma, a legacy she lovingly passed on to her children.

In 1957, Earnestine married the love of her life, Alfred Petitt, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure, raising their three children: Stephen, Philip, and Pamela; while moving across the country from La Mirada, California, to Oregon, New Jersey, and ultimately settling in San Jose, California. In the early 2000s, Earnestine and Alfred retired to Henderson, Nevada, where they enjoyed their golden years together. Their marriage was a testament to devotion, spanning 56 beautiful years.

Family was at the heart of everything Earnestine did. She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother, treasuring every moment with her three grandchildren: Michael, Katerina, and Alexander. She also shared a special bond with her daughter-in-law, Mary Anne, whom she warmly welcomed into the family and cherished for over four decades.

Earnestine’s creativity and generosity touched the lives of many. A gifted seamstress, she took great joy in making clothes for her children and later found fulfillment in crafting intricate Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, which she lovingly gifted to family, friends, and even children in hospitals. Her natural eye for design extended to home décor, transforming each house she lived in with a warmth and elegance that made visitors marvel at her talent. When asked who her decorator was, she would simply smile and say, “Well, I did!”

In her retirement, Earnestine found joy in the little things, whether it was playing the penny slots at Green Valley Ranch Casino on Thursday and Sunday afternoons or simply being surrounded by people and the possibility of a lucky day. She never expected to win, but she embraced the simple pleasure of the experience.

Kind-hearted and selfless, Earnestine gave her time and talents freely, always putting others before herself without expecting anything in return. She found immense joy in seeing others happy, whether through the thoughtful gifts she created or the warmth she brought to every holiday celebration. She had an especially deep love for Christmas, filling her home with cherished decorations, the scent of holiday baking, and a magical atmosphere that her family will forever hold dear.

Earnestine’s independent spirit, quiet generosity, and creative soul will be forever remembered by those whose lives she touched, proving that the greatest gifts in life are those given from the heart.

Earnestine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alfred, and her son, Philip. She is survived by her son, Stephen Petitt, and his wife, Mary Anne; her daughter, Pamela Ribardo, and her husband, Ken; and her three adored grandchildren, Michael, Katerina, and Alexander.

Earnestine will be profoundly missed, but her love, kindness, and creative spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations as a Tribute Gift may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America https://alzfdn.org/donate/ .

A visitation for Earnestine will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Palm Mortuary Henderson, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. Funeral services with committal will be on Friday, April 4, 2025, beginning at 10:40 AM at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Mem, Boulder City, NV 89005.