Loyce Bernice Pettigrew

Loyce Bernice (Brenton) Pettigrew, 97, of Columbia, Missouri passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025. Born on November 18, 1927, to Leslie Benton and Ruby (Mitchell) Brenton in St. Louis, Missouri shortly after a cyclone, she was lovingly nicknamed the “cyclone baby” by the doctor who delivered her.

Loyce grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Ben Blewett High School. She later studied accounting at Rebekah Business School and worked at Mallinckrodt Chemical. In 1947, she met Mel Pettigrew, the love of her life, and they shared 66 years of marriage. Together, they raised two children, Janice Hunt (Bernard) and Jack Pettigrew (Sharon), and built a life full of love, laughter and faith.

Loyce became a believer in Jesus Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of the Baptist faith. In her later years, she became a fervent prayer warrior for her entire family. Loyce was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She treasured family traditions – from Christmas, camping/fishing trips, traveling, to quiet days at home. She took great joy in time spent with loved ones. She especially cherished the front porch swing, where she and Mel spent countless hours together and visiting with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, love and watermelon. Those are good memories for all who knew them.

She was the proud grandmother of Brandy Gibbs (Lorin), Travis Pettigrew, Lacy Epperson (Matthew), and Merideth Carney; great grandmother of Brayden, Chase and Cyndi Shaver; Branch and Ivory Epperson; Elliott, Grace, Cecelia and Ben Carney and Parker, Grayson and Lenora Pettigrew.

Loyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel Pettigrew, her parents, Lesley and Ruby Brenton and a brother, Jack Brenton.

Her legacy of love lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home in Ashland. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hartsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Association.

Condolences may be shared at www.robinsonyagerfh.com..

Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pettigrew family.