Josephine “Jo” Ellen (Charley) Pettit, age 95, of Fallon, Nev., passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a bright light who loved many, and was loved by everyone who knew her.

She was born Oct. 8, 1930 to Wixon Charley and Bernice Rogers Charley in Smokey Valley, Nev. She was Shoshone and spent the first 15 years of her life on her grandparents’ ranch in Smokey Valley, before moving to Austin, Nev. She graduated from Austin High School, Ganado School of Nursing, Ganado, Ariz., and cosmetology school. Jo was a talented painter and exhibited in shows as well as gifting her paintings throughout her life to family and friends.

On Jan. 29, 1960, Jo married Jimmie L. Pettit in Carson City, Nev. He was the son of Earl and Helen (Ellenbolt) Pettit of McGregor. From then on known as “Jim and Jo.” Jim served in the Navy and they lived in Taiwan and England, and the states of Hawaii, California and Washington. Jim passed on April 14, 2006, and Jo moved to her daughter’s to help with her grandchildren.

Jo was predeceased by her parents, her husband and three brothers, Cleveland, Albert (Hubert) and Herbert Charley. She is survived by her youngest brother, Stanley Hooper (all four brothers were in the military); her son, Francis “Frank” (Jolene) Pettit of Winnemucca, Nev.; her daughter, Nikki Pettit of Fallon, Nev.; grandchildren, Natalia Castro (Brandon Gomez), Ruben Castro and Alyson Castro (Issac Garcia); and great-grandchildren, Mars, Elara and Celeste.