Columbus/formerly of Mantachie- Patty Ruth Smith Petigo, 74, of Columbus, MS, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 17, 1950, to Monroe and Laverne Palmer Smith, Patty lived a life full of warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Dewey Petigo, who stood by her side through life’s joys and challenges. Patty leaves behind her cherished children: Rodney Guin of Columbus, MS; Jan Starling (Joe) of Mantachie, MS; Misty Blair (David) of Mantachie, MS; and Karen Ritenhour (Andy) of Sylva, NC. She was a proud grandmother to Justin Stone, Bradley Starling (Laura), Alex Renfroe (Cody), Abagale McMahan (Cody), Mackenzie Carnathan, Sallie Starling, and Greyson Blair. Patty’s legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Maddox Renfroe, Nora Grace Starling, Jacy Starling, Darcy McMahan, and Casen Starling.
She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Cooper, and is reunited in eternal peace with her parents, stepfather Jr Butler, her sister Louis Orear, and her great-grandson Jackson Starling.
Patty, alongside her husband, owned and operated C&P Printing, where her dedication and hard work left a lasting mark on the community. A talented and creative soul, she found joy in crafts, reading, sewing, cooking, and snuggling with her beloved Shih Tzu, Gypsy. Her presence brought comfort and love to all who knew her.
Memorial services will be held at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie. A date and time will be announced in a few days on this website.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the NMMC Inpatient Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Patty’s final days.
Patty will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her warmth, strength, and creativity will live on in the memories of those she held dear.
