Mont J Pettingill Obituary (1935 - 2018)

Mont Pettingill, 83, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2018, at the Spring Garden Senior Living facility in Lindon, Utah. He was born to Joseph and Florence Pettingill in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He grew up in Washington and Oregon, going from rustic farm life and a one-room schoolhouse near Puget Sound, to the "big city" of Portland. He met his bride-to-be, Ivie Whitaker, just before leaving to serve an LDS Mission in New England and Newfoundland. Returning to Brigham Young University, he completed his teaching degree after marrying Ivie in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and began his career as a science teacher in Hayward, California. He later built a home in Modesto and taught high school there for the rest of his career. Two delightful children, Scott and Jody, were raised there in Mont and Ivie's exceptionally loving and attentive care ... and in the swimming pool, which Mont also built. Mont's open heart, creative mind, and good humor endeared him to his students, and to everyone whose lives he touched. Many of those lives weren't merely touched, but were beautified by Mont's landscaping business, which he pursued with considerable acclaim during each summer break. During those summer breaks, he also pursued and obtained a Master's Degree in Teaching - Chemistry and Physics. Scott died far too early, but brought his young bride, Leslie Jeppson, into Mont's family, where she and her children have been treasured and loved ever since. Moving to Lindon, Utah, after retirement, Mont built another lovely home for his sweetheart, and continued to serve his Church, family, and neighbors in his uniquely endearing manner. His warmth, sincerity, hard work, loyalty, acceptance, and affection, are among the traits that made everyone love him (plus, he was forever "copacetic" to all who inquired as to his condition). Those already across the veil and eagerly anticipating his arrival include his son, Scott Pettingill, and his younger (and arguably less handsome) brother, Ted (Jeanne, still living) Pettingill. Those survivors bidding him farewell and "thank you" for filling their lives with so much joy, include his wife of nearly 58 years, Ivie; daughter Jody (Kyle) Tippetts; daughter-in-law Leslie Jeppson Buckley; grandchildren Lauren and Lindsey Tippetts; "bonus" grandchildren: Megan Buckley, Erin Buckley Plothow and Sara Buckley; and siblings Dona (Max) Hill and Reed (Pam) Pettingill (arguably the most handsome brother). Olpin Family Mortuary is assisting with the services commemorating Mont's life, and the family wishes to thank them, and the wonderful staff at Spring Garden Senior Living, for their compassionate care and service. Additional reflections on Mont's life and contributions can be found at Olpin's web site: www.olpinmortuary.com/listings, where you are invited to add your own comments and reflections about this amazing man. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.