Theda Lowe Christy Petty, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 10, 2026, at the home of her daughter, Karen, who lovingly cared for her. She always said that when her time came, she wanted to go to sleep and wake up in Heaven. She was blessed to leave this world just as she had hoped.

Theda was born on March 21, 1932. She was baptized at Three Forks Church of Christ in her early thirties and later became a member of Delafield Church of Christ. As she aged and was no longer able to attend church in person, she faithfully watched the services of Three Forks Church of Christ and Bethany Church of Christ online. She looked forward to doing so on most Sundays with her granddaughter, Laurie.

Theda retired from Houchens Industries after 32 faithful years. She had many stories and memories of her co-workers and customers that she carried with her throughout the years.

Theda was the proud “matriarch” of her family, a title her family lovingly gave her and one that perfectly described the place she held in their hearts. She was the center of her family and a constant source of love, wisdom, strength, and comfort. She wasn’t only “Grandmother” to her own grandchildren—many of her grandchildren’s friends called her grandmother, too. She loved being doted on and treasured the love and attention of her family.

Theda was the person everyone knew they could count on. If someone needed something—no matter how random or unexpected—there was a very good chance Theda had exactly what they needed tucked away in her purse, a drawer, or a closet. She loved talking on the phone and keeping up with everyone she loved. She enjoyed following her family and friends on Facebook and especially loved the family’s female group text, affectionately named “The Matriarch.” It was just one more way she stayed connected to the people who meant the most to her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Amos Lowe; her mother, Dorotha Bunch Lowe Grinstead; her stepfather, L.M. (Bill) Grinstead; her husband, Gobel Petty; her daughter, Linda Christy Piercey; her son-in-law, Leonard Piercey; her twin sister, Margie B. Lindsey; her brother, Ted J. Lowe, and his wife, Wanda; and her nephew, Ronnie Hardcastle, and his wife, Helen.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Christy Cole (Ronnie); her grandchildren, Laurie McCombs (Donald), Dr. Christy Cole Harpring (Patrick Moore), and Brandon Piercey; her great-grandchildren, Ashlie Neal (Matt), Madison Wade (Luke), Jack, Tory, & Cole Harpring, Clayton & Blake Moore, and Layla Piercey; her great-great-grandchildren, Adlee Neal, Ellison Neal, Stetson Wade, and Shelby Hill; and her nieces, Cheryl Lowe Francis and Tina Lowe Kenworthy, and nephew, Jeff Lowe, along with several special friends.

At Theda’s request, there will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13 at Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery, 263 Gotts-Hydro Road, Bowling Green, KY.

She spent 94 years loving her family, staying connected to the people she loved, and being the person everyone could count on. Her family will forever be grateful for the love, wisdom, laughter, and memories she gave them. And they find comfort knowing that she is now exactly where she always said she wanted to be—home in Heaven.