Sophie H. Pettry

Sophie Hobler Pettry passed away November 4, 2013 at the age of 92 while resting peacefully at Above & Beyond care home in Conroe, Texas. A selfless caregiver herself, Sophie competently and lovingly raised the six children, she is survived by: daughters Karen (Jay) Lehman of Montgomery, Emmy (Dennis) Curnutte of New Hudson, Michigan, Laura (Johann) Bonhart of Magnolia and Virginia Pettry of The Woodlands; sons, Robert (Karen) Pettry of Grosse Ile, Michigan and William Pettry of Austin. Sophie is preceded in death by her loving husband Dale K. Pettry; parents, Steve and Elizabeth Hobler and brother Steve Hobler. Sophie’s other surviving relatives include grandchildren, Jeff (Teresa) Pettry, Erin (Dan) Potter, D.J. Curnutte, Laura (Mike) Franzeca, five great grandchildren, Austin Pettry, Averey Potter, Allyse Potter, Corinne Pettry and Brandon Potter – all of whom live in Michigan, and her nieces Elizabeth Hobler of Alabama, Micki (Tom) Weeda of New Jersey. Numerous other relatives and friends also survive.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Sophie attended Catholic schools through high school and attended Akron University for 1 ½ years where she met husband Dale and married him in 1942. Shortly thereafter, Sophie and Dale moved to California to assist in the war effort where Sophie was employed as one of Rosie’s riveters. Following the war, Sophie became a member of the church of Christ in 1950 in Michigan where she had moved with her husband Dale to raise their family. Upon Dale’s retirement in 1980 they moved to Conroe, Texas where they became active members of the Conroe church of Christ.

A special annual event remembered is Thanksgivings at the Pettry household when Sophie would cook for 27 or so gathered relatives and friends and organize an afternoon of crafting for the women while the men watched football. She touched many with her humor and zest for life through such actions as sharing her love of board games and puzzles with others and participating in the church ministry for those in need. An avid and talented tennis player, Sophie is noted for once winning a men’s doubles competition! She also enjoyed playing golf and traveling with Dale to many beautiful places including Callaway Gardens, Georgia and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Throughout her life, loving husband of 70 years, Dale K. Pettry always said, he “never met a person who didn’t like Sophie. “ To her survivors this rings very true – dearest Sophie, you are sorely missed.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Embracing Hospice; Jo Myers, Caregiver; The Gathering Place of Conroe and Above & Beyond Assisted Living in Conroe. Cards for the family may be sent c/o Laura Bonhart, 33123 Windcrest Estates Boulevard, Magnolia, TX, 77354. Those wishing to remember Sophie with a donation may direct these to “The Gathering Place” of Conroe, FUMC (memory care ministry), 4308 West Davis Street, Conroe, TX, 77304. You are invited to view our webpage and leave written condolences to the family at www.cashnerconroe.com