Barbara J. Pettit, a resident of Fremont since 1988, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Fountain View Retirement Village in Fremont. Barbara was born to Isaac and Jennie (Mol) Pettit on September 18, 1924, her father's birthday, in Plainwell, Michigan. Isaac preceded her in death on November 23, 1969 and Jennie preceded her in death on January 4, 1990. The family moved to White Cloud in 1938, establishing a five and dime store which they owned and operated until Isaac and Jennie's retirement in 1962. Barbara's first day in White Cloud schools was also the day of freshman initiation (horrors for a new and very bashful student). She was the first drum majorette at the White Cloud Public Schools and enjoyed teaching baton twirling to many young girls. Following her graduation from White Cloud High School in 1942, she attended Muskegon School of Business and so began her career as a legal secretary. Her employment began with the Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney J. Donald Murphy on May 1, 1944 and continued in the White cloud office until Mr. Murphy established his private law practice in Fremont, to which office was transferred on June 1, 1946. Her employment of 50 years with Mr. Murphy continued until J. Donald's passing on May 16, 1994. Following the passing of Mr. Murphy, Barbara began employment with attorney Theodore A. Caris for 10 years until her retirement in 2005. Barbara's passions were spending time with family and friends, typing, dancing, and music. Barbara is survived by one cousin, Thomas (Julie) Dreier of Kalamazoo. Also surviving are David L. (Carol Murphy) Fleisher of Webster Groves, Missouri; David L. (Leah Anna) Fleisher Jr. of Kirkwood, Missouri; Daniel P. (Susan Fleisher) Dooley of McLean, Virginia; all of whom "adopted" Barbara as a member of the Murphy family in 1988. Other survivors include special and very close friends, Robert and Carol Graham, James Rynberg, Dianne Johnson, and Carol Black. Barbara was preceded in death by special friend, Russ Menold in 2013. At her request, cremation has taken place and burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery next to her parents. A Musical Tribute Service will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:45 am at the First Congregational Church in Fremont. Barbara specifically requested no flowers at her funeral and that her friends would simply recall happy times shared with her. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Fountain View Retirement Village Patient Activities Fund in memory of Barbara.