Obituaries

Louise Ashburn Petty, age 97 of Whitwell, TN passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Louise was born in 1928 in Whitwell on her family farm. After attending Whitwell High School, she graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science. Soon after graduation she began working for the Agricultural Extension Service. It was through this program that she met her husband Clyde Petty, a civil engineer who repaired sewing machines for teachers.

After several moves, the Pettys eventually settled in Calhoun, Georgia, where Louise taught Home Economics at Calhoun High School for 20 years. Louise and Clyde enjoyed attending Tennessee Volunteer football games and they traveled quite extensively after retirement. They were very active in their church, Calhoun First United Methodist, for over 50 years.

Louise was known for her welcoming home and beautiful flower gardens. In addition to gardening, she enjoyed entertaining family and friends. For years, the Ashburn reunions were held at her home, and she anticipated and planned these for months.

In 2019, Lousie moved to Garden Plaza of Cleveland. She developed an active social life playing bridge, cornhole, and serving on the hospitality committee. She developed many close friendships with the staff and residents at Garden Plaza.

Although Lousie had no biological children, she was very involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews. She was always available to provide encouragement, advice, and a warm hug.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Clyde; parents, John Russell and Edith Long Ashburn; sisters, Azalee (Warren) Berner, Evalyne (Bill) Bales, Mary Jane (John) Ripley; brother, John Russell (Joan) Ashburn.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, great, and great great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Chapel Hill Methodist Church Building Fund, 5606 E. Valley Road, Dunlap, TN 37327 or to Calhoun First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 517, Calhoun, GA 30701.

Services will be held Sunday, January 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. CST in the funeral home chapel with Jared G. Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Red Hill Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CST.