Connie Alcorn Pettibone

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Constance “Connie” Alcorn Pettibone, 61, passed away on June 9, 2010, due to complications of a heart arrhythmia. The daughter of Bob and Ruth Alcorn, Connie was born on March 2, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1950 her family moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, where Connie attended public schools and graduated from high school. After graduation, Connie earned a Bachelor’s degree from Kent State University where she studied sociology. Following college, Connie was employed by the family printing business, Goodtown Printers, until she married Donald Cunningham in June 1973.During their early married years, while Donald worked for Pratt and Whitney in Turkey, the young couple had the opportunity to explore the mix of cultures in that Eurasian country. Two children, Donald and Melanie, were born to that marriage which ended in divorce. As a single parent, Connie went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in nursing from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. For several years Connie worked in nursing homes and as a special duty nurse. Thirty-six years after graduating from high school, Connie reconnected with a high school friend, Kim Pettibone. They were married in 2001 and made their home in Milaca, Minnesota. In 2009 Connie moved to Billings to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Paul and Kathy Kelker.

Connie was a whiz on the computer and loved looking up information on family genealogy. She was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting. Connie had a sharp wit and loved puzzles and games. But her greatest joy was in her adult children and their families, especially her five grandchildren whom she visited as often as she could. While living in Minnesota, she was involved in Habitat for Humanity and became the local secretary for the organization. Since coming to Billings, Connie joined Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFFT) where she advocated for public transportation for people with disabilities. Connie struggled with mental illness throughout her adult life. Because of her own difficulties, she tried to reach out to others with disabilities. Connie was always involved in church activities and enjoyed attending Bible studies. Her faith was strong.

Connie is survived by her children Donald (Kayla) Cunningham of Cortland, OH and Melanie (Chris) Shipman of North Bloomfield, OH; five grandchildren, Grace, Hannah, Luke, Elizabeth and Rebecca; her sister Kathy (Paul) Kelker of Billings; brothers, Robert (Terry) of Cleveland Heights, OH and Gaffar (Suzy) of Silver Spring, MD; three nieces, Jessica, Vera, and Sara; seven nephews, Steve, Matt, Christopher, Ben, Jeremy, Jeffrey, and Ly; and many grandnieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bob and Ruth.

The family wishes to offer special thinks to Dr. Cathy Stevens and Dr. Dan Rodriquez, Roxanne and the other Billings Clinic ICU nurses, social workers, and staff. We are especially grateful to our dear friend Carol Blackwell who helped us with the tough decisions. We appreciate all of the special care Connie received and the many kindnesses offered to the family.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 16 at 11:00 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd followed by a lunch. A second service will occur in Ohio for the relatives who live there. Connie’s ashes will be buried along side her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Head Start, Inc., 616 N. 19^th St., Billings MT 59101 or to the charity of one’s choice.

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