IONE PETTY

1921-1987

Ione Belleville was born on January of 1921 at her home in Gould City. She had three sisters named Cecila Linck, Geniveve Vallier, and Florence. She also had five brothers named Russell, Lawrence, Richard, Wallace, and Harold. Cecila lives in Virgina with her daughter. Florence lives in California. Richard and Harold live in the Detroit area. Wallace [Doc] lives in Naubinway. Ione had some dogs and cats for pets. She did many chores like washing, cooking, housework, and helping on the farm. Ione did not get an allowance because there was no extra money then. She worked at Valliers store as her first paying job for her sister and brother-in-law. She went to Gould City Elementary in a sled driven by mother and pulled by horses named Daisy and Cornell, or by riding the bus. When she was in school the President was Hoover. She usually had homemade clothes or whatever the family had. Her favorite classes were Reading, Math, and Home Ec. She didn't get into much trouble, just everyday kids' stuff. She liked to play cards by the lantern.    

             She was very talented at cooking. In her spare time she liked to read and cook. She loved to watch baseball. Her favorite team was the Detroit Tigers. Ione loved to listen to Kate Smith or just a local band. Back then she just had to pay five cents for a candy bar. When she went to a movie it just cost twenty-five cents or less. She usually drove a car around. Ione loved her family traditions, but Christmas was the best. Back when Ione was living the biggest historical event that happened was World War II.

            When she got married in 1966 to Royce Petty, she was nineteen years old. They had four children named Judy, Ron, Harold [Hercules], and Pam. She also had four grandchildren. She was a housewife and a mother. Ione liked to sing and play the guitar with her musical family. She usually traveled in Michigan and the western states. But most of the time she lived with her family in Rapid River, except during the war they lived in the Detroit area. Some of the Petty family lives in Rapid River today, including her son, Hercules.

Stefen Albright

Fifth Grade

Engadine Elementary

Thank you to Cathy Butkovich and Doc Belleville for sharing information about Ione

Petty, Cathy's aunt, and Doc's sister. Thanks to Cheryl Ozanich for finding pictures of Ione.