Dee Ann Pettinger, 72, died Tuesday, July 2.

She was born in Blue Earth, Minn. to Donald and Audrey Pettinger. She graduated early from Oakdale High School in 1958 and later attended Modesto Junior College.

She lived in many places including Los Angeles, Chicago, Modesto, Prescott, Ariz., and Spokane. She raised her children in Grand Junction and Durango, Colo.

Ms. Pettinger was a friendly, outgoing, cheerful woman with contagious enthusiasm.

She loved to vacation with her family, and often visited Disneyland, Disney World and national parks Mesa Verde and the Redwood Forest. She loved to attend shows such as Les Miserables, Disney on Ice, and the Blue Man Group.

She enjoyed decorating, antiquing and thrift shopping, and was also an avid fan of NASCAR, the Denver Broncos, reality TV, Star Trek and Star Wars.

She was known for her flamboyant decor; her house and wardrobe were filled with buffalos and pink flamingos. She loved animals of all sorts including horses, chickens, pigeons, rabbits, and especially her cherished little dogs Rascal and Griswold. She volunteered at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department S.C.O.P.E., where she was known for her enthusiasm and excellent service.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracy (Max) Martin of Spokane, Wash.; son, Todd (Anna) Tucker of De Soto, Kansas; brothers, Mike (Leslie) Pettinger of Oakdale, Pete (Gayle) Pettinger of Spokane, Wash.; grandchildren, Eva, Quinn, and Quaid Tucker of De Soto, Kans.; nephews, Daniel Pettinger and Phil Pettinger of Modesto; and niece, Sandy Brown of Crawford, Colorado.

A memorial service will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, date and time pending.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

July 17, 2013