Arlene Weber Pettit

Arlene Weber Pettit

Arlene Weber Pettit passed away peacefully surrounded by her dear husband and children on February 26, 2022. She was born on April 13, 1930 to Lawrence and Leone Weber in Logan, Utah. She grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming with two brothers (Rex and Sterling) and three sisters (Nola, LaNece and Karen). She married Richard Pettit on August 28, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple.

From a young age, she learned the value of hard work as she worked alongside her father milking cows and helping with other farm work. She loved being his little companion, and he lovingly referred to her as his “Dolly Dumps.”

She graduated from Star Valley High School and completed a year at Utah State University before serving a mission to the Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She miraculously crossed paths with a cute young missionary while serving in St. Louis. They exchanged cards, and later upon their return, Richard stopped at her front door in Salt Lake to ask her on their first date. This began the romance that would last for over 68 years (and into eternity). They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 28,1953. She loved to share the story of that day. Elder LeGrande Richards performed the ceremony, and as they were walking out of the room, President David O. McKay stopped them and said, “You have made the right choice today.”

Together they raised a large family of seven sons and two daughters, including twin boys who passed away shortly after birth. Richard often says that he would have never completed his college education without Arlene’s support and encouragement. Upon his graduation, she received a joint degree —a “PHT” “putting hubby through.” While raising their family, they moved around as Richard’s employment required, including the cities of Logan, Fort Sill, Bountiful, Centerville, San Jose, and Seattle. They then retired—first in Morgan and finally in Layton, Utah.  

Arlene had unshakable faith, unwavering commitment, and a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. She wanted to share this joy with others. Some of Arlene and Richard’s most treasured memories were created while serving missions together. Missions served include the Kirtland, Ohio Historical Sites at the John Johnson Farm; the Swiss Temple; the Nauvoo, Illinois Temple; the London, England Temple; and a short time at the Sydney, Australia Temple. Between missions they served as ordinance workers in the Jordan River and Ogden, Utah Temples. Arlene and Richard also enjoyed traveling and site-seeing throughout Europe, Latin America, and the United States. They would make it a priority to attend their grandchildren’s special occasions such as baptisms, mission farewells, graduations, and marriages as much as possible.

Arlene loved music. As a young girl, she played the clarinet in the high school and Utah State University marching bands. She spent hours playing the piano and hoped to share this passion with her kids and grandchildren. She fondly remembered performing Chopin’s “Fantasy Impromptu” at her high school graduation in Afton, Wyoming. Many of the grandchildren have sweet memories of her sitting beside them on the piano bench patiently trying to teach them. Later, when she couldn't play as well, she loved listening to “Music and the Spoken Word” or any music performed by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. She would often sweetly sing along. 

Arlene poured her heart into cooking and baking. Food was definitely one of her love languages. She loved feeding family, friends, and the missionaries. Some of her specialties included ice cream rolls, pecan rolls, homemade baked bread with fresh strawberry jam, and hand-dipped chocolates. Whenever family or visitors stopped by, they wouldn’t leave empty-handed. She would run into the kitchen and find a treat to send home with them.

Arlene committed her life to her family and her Heavenly Father. She taught her family through example and lived what she believed. She didn’t hold back a kind word of love or expression of gratitude. She loved her dear husband. One granddaughter explained their devotion to each other with the following words: “They are a pillar of true love and soulmates. When I think back there wasn't a time where she wasn't holding his hand or scanning a room to find him.  In this world, true dedication to your spouse is hard to find. Seeing the love and example from my grandparents has been such a blessing to me.”

Thanks, mom, for your steadfast example, legacy of faith and devotion. We are so grateful you’re ours for eternity.  “Ich liebe dich”--We love you mom! 

She is preceded in death by two of their angel children, Steven and Stanley.

She is survived by Richard, her devoted husband of 68 years, their seven children–Larry (Debbie) Pettit, Randy (Karen) Pettit, Scott (Marilyn) Pettit, Tami Alter, Shauna (Rick) Krupa, Tyler (Jackie) Pettit, Kyle (Karalee) Pettit, 29 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Compton Bench Ward, 850 Compton Rd., Farmington, Utah.  Friends may visit with family Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Interment, Centerville City Cemetery.

The family expresses its deepest appreciation to the sweet and tender care received by nurses and staff at Fairfield Assisted Living in Layton. Their thoughtful attention to our parents has been outstanding. 

You may join us virtually at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88202268799