Theo L. Pettingill, 71

Theo Larry Pettingill, 71, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Mountain Home, died Nov. 9, 2004, at his home, of cancer.

He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 13, at Coltrin Mortuary in Idaho Falls. Burial was in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery where military rites were performed by the Bonneville County Veteran's Team.

He was born Nov. 4, 1933, in Osgood, Idaho, the youngest of nine children, to George Elihu Pettingill and Maude Leona Lords Pettingill. He grew up in Jerome and Elba. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1951 and attended Idaho State University Vo-Tech for one year.

He served in the United States Air Force for four years.

On July 28, 1955, he married Delta Simmons in Idaho Falls.

Theo owned and operated full service gas stations and convenience stores. Among the places that he lived were, Lewiston, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls and Mountain Home in Idaho, and in Arizona.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various leadership positions in the church.

He enjoyed socializing with friends and family, traveling, history, movies, photography, golf, and politics.

"Theo was a loving family man with a generous heart," his family said, "sharing his gift of humor and wit with passion served to uplift family, friends, and all those he touched."

He is survived by: his wife, Delta Pettingill of Idaho Falls; sons Eric (Veronica) Pettingill and Dana (Becky) Pettingill, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughters Julie ((Michael) Buszka of Blackfoot and Laurie Pettingill of Baltimore, M.D.; sister Mary Kissler of Oroville, Calif.; brother Don (Polly) Pettingill of Annapolis, M.D.; sister Mildred Campbell of Tucson, Ariz.; brother Bill (Pat) Pettingill of Burley; and 7 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Elwood and Clifford Pettingill, and two sisters, Ella Nelson and Hilda Parish.

Memorial contributions may be made in Theo's name to The Aspen Foundation for Hospice Care, 3470 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls, 83404.