Mary Petty, 81, of Newcastle, passed away at home on November 15, 2023. Mary Theresa Mason was born on June 18, 1942, in Dibble, Oklahoma, to John “Spud” Monroe Mason, and Wilna Zell Mason (Ritter).
Her family made their way to Newcastle where Mary attended school and graduated with the Racer Class of 1960. While in school, Mary was a talented athlete and played both basketball and softball. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Reginald “Jerry” Gerald Petty, on September 3, 1960.
After taking over the family business, in 1974 Jerry and Mary opened their first grocery store in Newcastle, and in 1985 they purchased another store in Chickasha. For 56 years the Petty family operated their stores with distinction and provided quality service to their community.
Mary entered the real estate world in 1996, first as an agent, and later as a successful broker. She also served proudly on the Pioneer board of directors for 20 years.
When Mary wasn’t working, she poured herself into her community and her family. As the Chamber of Commerce President, she organized the South Canadian Annual Tour (SCAT), a multiple distance bicycle ride that went through Newcastle and surrounding areas. Mary loved Newcastle and always looked for ways to “put the City of Newcastle on the map” so others could appreciate it, too.
She coached her grandchildren in little league basketball, and was a top-notch shortorder cook whenever they were hungry. Her family will fondly remember her character- shaped pancakes, delicious home cooking, and baking. Mary loved traveling, gardening and singing. She sang with the Sweet Adeline’s group alongside her granddaughter, Kalli, and her sisters, Mona and Sharon. She was also known to pull a prank or two on unsuspecting family and friends. Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by: her husband of 63 years, Jerry Petty; her parents John and Zell Mason; her brother Forrest Mason, sister Patsy Ogle, brother-in-law Coy Brite, and brother-in-law Danny Petty.
She is survived by: her children, Lisa Petty of the home; Gerald “Little Jerry” Petty and wife Jennifer of Newcastle; her siblings Carl Mason of Bradyville, Tennessee, Mona Brite of Tuttle, and Sharon Ferguson of Newcastle; her grandchildren Lawson Petty and wife Amber of Lindsay, Kalli Petty-Gomez and husband Lawrence of Yukon, Caulen Petty of Sapulpa, Conner Petty and Gracie Petty of Blanchard, and Faith Allison of Newcastle. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Braxton Petty, Hallie Gomez, Madi Price, Carter Price, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Tuesday November 21, 2023, at Newcastle First Baptist Church. Burial followed at Newcastle Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation at https://omrf.org/ or the Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://www.shrinerschildrens. org/en.
