Jean K. Pettit

Jean Keller Pettit, of Montgomery, Ohio, passed away on September 25, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Jean graduated from Kings Mills High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University, and later received a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Xavier University.

While enrolled as an undergraduate at Miami University, at the request of her former superintendent at the Kings Mills School District, she returned to her alma mater and began her career as a primary teacher at the age of 19, while completing her college studies. After several years, Jean accepted a position at Glendale School and was teaching there when it became part of the Princeton City School District, where she spent the remainder of her 30-year career--also teaching at Stewart, Heritage Hill, and Woodlawn Schools--touching the lives of many students.

Jean had a passion for music. She played multiple instruments (piano, organ, violin, trumpet, trombone) and sang with the Cincinnati chapter of Sweet Adelines. She was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting all 50 states and many international destinations. Some of her favorites included India, Ireland, and Alaska. She particularly enjoyed Cape Hatteras on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which was an annual destination for many years. Jean grew up on a farm and loved animals, especially the pets she had throughout her life. She was an avid reader and keen follower of current events, a wonderful cook, created beautiful holiday decorations and floral arrangements, and always enjoyed a good crossword puzzle.

Most of all, Jean was dedicated to her family. She was warm, funny, and a wonderful listener, cheerleader, and coach. She was preceded in death by her parents Louis Keller and Ida Penkawa Keller (Stoll) and brother Leonard Keller. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Arthur Pettit; her son, Kenton Pettit; and daughter, Tara Pettit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or SPCA Cincinnati (www.spcacincinnati.org).

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