Nelta "Nel" Adams Pettit

Nelta “Nel” Adams Pettit, 95, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She was born September 24, 1928, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Estel and Gladys (Robbins) Pettit. She married Kenneth Pettit on July 27, 1968, in Columbus, Georgia. Since moving to Petersburg in 1973, Nel was very active in the community working with Petersburg Cub Scouts Pack 54 for 17 years and Council leader for over 20 years. She was a recipient of many awards including the Silver Beaver, the highest award given in the Scouts. She was the first woman elected to Petersburg City Council as Alderman. She served on the library board and was also a representative of the Petersburg City Police. She volunteered at New Salem Park, working in the cabins and school live ins. For 14 years, she worked with the IGA Community Halloween Party organizing and getting the annual program started. She served as Worthy Matron of the Petersburg Order of the Eastern Star #573 in 1985, 1986 and 1987. After the death of her 2-year-old great grandson and since she had a love for children, she began working as a day care provider at New Salem Childrens Center and Lisa’s “Lil” Ones in Athens, retiring in 1998. Nel is survived by her daughter, Jennie Rademaker of Petersburg; her grandchildren, Leslie Rademaker of Springfield, Illinois, Darwin Rademaker of Lincoln, Illinois, Jamey Austin of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Monica Austin of Knoxville, Tennessee; great grandchildren, Kal, Kolt, Lawyer, Haley, Hollie, Hunter, Austin and Katie Rose Rademaker. Nel was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; her parents; two brothers, Melvin Adams and Ray Adams; a daughter, Jody Austin; and a great grandson, Forrest D. Haney. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:00 am, at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg with Pastor Jeffrey Gross officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit Nel’s online obituary at hurleyfh.com where condolences and memories may be shared with her family. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nelta "Nel" Adams Pettit

September 24, 1928 - October 20, 2023

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services