Bobbye Ruth Petty

Bobbye Ruth Draper Petty was born at Midway just south of Tahoka in the farmhouse near the railroad tracks on September 29, 1936, to Howard & Ruth Vick Draper. Not long after Bobbye enrolled at Abilene Christian College, a handsome young cowboy from San Angelo changed the course of her life and paved the way for her life's passion - the role of Christian wife, mother, grandmother and Godly servant. Bobbye is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Alfred Petty, her brothers, Bill Draper, Bland Draper, Robert Draper & Johnny Draper, and her baby sister Margaret. Bobbye's cousin Mariana Long says, "One of my favorite stories was about a new preacher who was trying to visit all the "sick and afflicted." Every place he went, they would mention that Bobbye had just been there – usually with a loaf of fresh bread. "Is there more than one Bobbye Petty in Abilene? I cannot go anyplace where she has not already been there ahead of me!" It didn't take long for him to know there was only one – but that she was using her ability and love for people to encourage those who needed encouraging. Bobbye was always an encourager – with words, actions, food, and extra dollar or two, or just by being there!" Friend Jozell Brister says, "A few months after my Mother's death, I was sitting in my office at ACU feeling very sad and depressed. I was still grieving for my Mother and nothing seemed to lift my spirits. Then I looked up and standing at my office door was Bobbye Petty. She came in and handed me a home-baked chocolate cream pie, my favorite. I asked her to sit down, and she did. We visited a bit, and then speaking about my Mother's struggle with cancer and her passing, Bobbye said, "I imagine that is all still pretty raw." That was just the right thing to say. It was still very raw, but Bobbye was the only one to acknowledge that I might still be grieving. In her kind and gentle voice she let me know that she understood what I was feeling. With the straightforward, no-nonsense way she had about her, she comforted me like no one else had been able to do. After Bobbye left my office that day, I realized that I was feeling better, actually, much better. Another time Bobbye came to my office and brought me a big bowl of watermelon. She was the friend I needed, and she lifted my spirits every time I saw her. There was a peace and calm about her that, I believe, came from God; and when she was with me, I felt her goodness and kindness. Then, for a time, the world looked and felt better." Those entrusted with carrying on her legacy are her daughter and son-in-law, Menielle & Tommy Donahoo, granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Cori & William Moore, sister & brother-in-law, Mary & Don Fleming, brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Bill & Donna Petty, many beloved nieces & nephews and a host of friends. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Granbury Church of Christ at 9:30am; followed by a graveside service at 3:30pm at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery in Abilene under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. In memory of Bobbye, the family requests that any donations be made to support the James & Bobbye Petty Scholarship Endowment at Abilene Christian University (ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699 or online at acu.edu/giveonline).