Jetta L. (Garrard) Pittman

Jetta L. (Garrard) Pittman, a woman whose 86 years have been a testament to the power of love and compassion, entered into glory at 12:19 a.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Robinson, IL. She passed away surrounded by her loving family. Born in Robinson on March 10, 1938, she was a 1956 graduate of Robinson High School, where she sowed the seeds of lifelong friendships and values that would guide her through life's many chapters. Her early work at the Sugar Bowl, where she waitressed before marriage, was just the prelude to a life dedicated to tending to others. On July 29, 1957, she married the love of her life, Frank Pittman, Jr., and together, they built a family anchored in love and mutual respect. While raising a family was her pride and joy, Jetta also excelled in her career. She balanced her roles with grace, working at Crawford Electronics before dedicating over 27 years to L.S. Heath & Sons. It was there, amidst the confectionery delights, that Jetta became a cherished figure, her stories and affection woven into the fabric of the workplace. She made countless friends at the plant, friendships that were as sweet and enduring as the candy she helped create.

Jetta's passion for life was evident in her many interests. She was a dynamo on the dance floor, line dancing with friends and even gracing television screens during a performance at the Boot City Opera. Her travels took her from the tulip fields of Holland to the music halls of Branson, Missouri, always with an open heart and an eagerness to explore. Back home, her fondness for game shows and word search puzzles brought joy to her daily life, and she would often enjoy these two pastimes in tandem! A culinary artist, Jetta's kitchen was a place of magic, where the aromas of cookies, pies, and bread pudding filled the air. Her rose bushes and bountiful garden were a testament to her nurturing spirit, and numerous dogs, cats, and hummingbirds also benefitted from her caring heart.

Jetta's life was a masterclass in selflessness. She was kind and loving, seeing the good in everyone and extending a helping hand without hesitation. She was the embodiment of the angelic, her love and compassion for people her greatest strength. Jetta's spirit was indomitable, and her capacity for love boundless. It should come as no surprise that the love she so readily poured out was born out of a life filled with Jesus. As a longtime member of the Bible Chapel Church in rural Stoy, IL, Jetta's faith wasn't constrained to Sunday mornings but manifested in the very way she lived her life, a life that, by the grace of God, will never end!

She is survived by her son, Jerry Pittman; her daughters, Barbara Chiasson (Mike), Brenda Myer, Noweta Pittman (Brent Monroney), and Vickie Wesley (David); by seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; a brother, Robert Garrard; sisters-in-law, Ruth Garrard, Joane Wakefield, Barbara Garrard, and Chris Dunlap; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Frank Pittman, Jr.; her parents, Alfred L. Garrard and Alice Mae (Stevens) Garrard; and her brothers Raymond, Larry, Clayton, Kenneth, and Michael.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Memorials may be made to the "National Kidney Foundation", with envelopes available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.