PETTY, Helen Marie

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 06/27/2014 Helen Marie (Birdsong) Petty died peacefully June 2, 2014, at her home in Sierra Vista from cancer. She was born Jan. 24, 1947, in Tucumcari, N.M. Helen was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister and nana. Helen moved with her family to Show Low in 1960 and attended Snowflake High School. She married Patrick Petty July 7, 1964, in St. Johns. They made their home in Show Low until 1983, when they moved their family to Oregon. In 2010, Pat and Helen retired to Sierra Vista. Helen adored and lived for her granddaughters. She taught them the value of hard work and education and the importance of families. “Helen will be forever missed, but we know we will see her again.” She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Pat Petty; two daughters, Tammy (Michael Schindler) Pierce, Brandy (Bill Goddard) Shodin; three granddaughters: Isabella, Alexandria and Sierra; parents Sammy and Isabelle Birdsong; sisters: Margie (Carl) Vance and Sandra Domereen Birdsong; one brother: Sammy (Ruth) Birdsong Jr.; two aunts: Bertha (Dick) Stewart and Ann (Melton) Saiz; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister Nadine. A private celebration to honor Helen’s life will be held June 28 in Sierra Vista. Donations can be made in Helen’s memory to Hospice Casa De La Paz, 185 S. Moorman Ave., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. Sympathy cards can be sent to Jensen’s Mortuary, 5515 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650, in care of Petty family.