A DEATH
HAS OCCURRED
Shirley Ann (McGaha) Petit (nee Bettes), lovingly known as “Gigi,” peacefully passed away on December 10, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by her adoring family in Cincinnati, OH. Born on April 13, 1934, in Missouri. Shirley led a life dedicated to helping others as a valued volunteer at Mercy Hospital.
Shirley cherished her role as a mother, and her legacy will live on through her son James “Jimmy” (Margie) McGaha and her daughter Debbie McGaha. She was also a doting grandmother to her granddaughters Kristin McGaha, Ashley Stavermann, and Marlena Daniel, grandson Will Collins. Her love extended even further as a great-grandmother to great-granddaughters Nadia McGaha and Camila Stavermann, great-grandsons Zion Daniel, Shiloh Daniel, Garrett Collins, Giles Collins, and Bodhi Collins. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and her friends. Shirley adored her family and took great joy in spending cherished moments together.
She could often be found crafting and expressing her creativity, as her love for arts and crafts was unmatched. Shirley had a vibrant spirit and loved to dance, bringing joy to those around her wherever she went. Her infectious laughter and bright smile touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Alfred, Bobby, and Jock, her sister Joyce, and her beloved husband Barney Petit.
She is survived by her brother Kenny and her sister-in-law Dusty.
In honor of Shirley’s remarkable life and the impact she had on those around her, visitation will on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 pm at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home (2155 Compton Rd. Cincinnati, OH, 45231, follow BLUE line on cemetery grounds to Funeral Home). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Cemetery located at 2145 Compton Rd. Cincinnati, OH, 45231. The funeral service will be a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and celebrate the beautiful life of Shirley.
Shirley’s compassion and dedication to serving others will forever be remembered. Her memory will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. She will be dearly missed, but her spirited presence will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Shirley Ann Petit during this difficult time. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM
The Arlington Memorial Gardens
“What can I say…my beautiful sweet loving amazing Aunt Shirley has left us. I feel so lucky to have been in her life but now our lives are much sadder without her. I will miss her terribly but the most important thing is an angel got her wings.”
12/18/2023
“Good Morning Shirley Ann…that is what I said to you every morning. You are already missed so much! The past 1 1/2 years has brought me great pleasure taking care of you ❤️ and bonding like mother and daughter, we’ve had some good laughs. Now you and Barney can wrap your angel wings around us all. You will be forever missed! We love ❤️ you so much!!! Now get your “arse” moving and start dancing!”
12/18/2023
“My condolences to Jimmy and the family. Aunt Shirley was a lovely woman and will be missed by all whose paths she crossed. I will miss her quick wit, positivity, humor and that touch of Dunigan sarcasm. I’m so happy that I was able to spend a bit of time with her shortly before her passing. So much love goes with you and so much love goes out to your family during this time of such great loss. With much love …”
12/16/2023
“I’m so happy the last 5 years I have returned to Cincinnati to be able to get together for lunches! I’ll never forget you Aunt Shirley ❤️”
12/15/2023
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