Obituary of Elinor Faye Truitt

Elinor Faye (Hadlock) Truitt, aka “Pete”, passed away on April 25, 2023, in Tucson, AZ. Born in Chino Valley, AZ, in 1934, she was the youngest of eight children. Pete graduated from Prescott High in 1952.

Pete met Jerry Lee Truitt, from Chandler, after her high school graduation during the July 4^th Frontier Days Celebration. Pete moved to Phoenix at the end of the summer. Jerry joined the Air Force and asked Pete to marry him upon graduation from basic training. They were posted to Davis Monthan in Tucson, after he returned from a 90-day TDY in England.

In the summer of ’54, Pete and Jerry bought a house trailer and lived on Lee Street, where their first son, Jim, was born in July ’55. In the spring of ’57, they bought a home on Mann Ave. Second son, Jeff, was born in May. John was born in August ’59.

They moved to Chanute AFB, IL in July ’62 for Jerry to cross-train to work on missiles, from airplanes. After 8 ½ months, the family was stationed at Minot AFB, ND for 4 ½ years. Then they were assigned back to Davis Monthan. Except for these few years, Pete spent all her life in Arizona.

In Tucson, Pete volunteered part-time at the thrift store on Davis Monthan, then became a clerk at the convenience store on Davis Monthan. She later went to work for Jim Click, keeping service records. Pete started at the dealership at 22^nd & Wilmot, but later worked at the dealerships at the Tucson Auto Mall and in Green Valley.

In 1970, Jerry was sent to Vietnam and Pete stayed home, raising the three boys (with help from friends and family) for a full year. Upon completion of his tour, Jerry returned to Davis Monthan, and was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant.

In 1978, the 11,000-acre Arivaca Ranch was subdivided, and Pete and Jerry bought a 40-acre parcel. Until Jerry retired in October ’82, they spent most weekends in Arivaca. Initially, they camped, but over time they built a fine hobby ranch. The Back 40 was an oasis of hospitality, friendship, and honest hard work. In 1983, they sold the Tucson house and lived at the Back 40 for 19 years. Though remote, they always enjoyed visitors - especially their grandchildren.

In the 2000’s, with Jerry’s heart beginning to fail, the realities of living on such a remote property could no longer be ignored. Back 40 was sold, and they moved to Oro Valley. In 2008, Jerry passed away. Pete stayed in their home on Pine Street for several years, sometimes sharing rooms with grandkids.   

Pete loved to read, play games, and cook. She worked tirelessly gardening and, while in Arivaca, raising cows, pigs, and chickens. She was also very fond of dogs and cats. Pete eventually moved in with Jeff and his wife Pam, but as Pete’s needs increased, she was transferred to Aspen Care facility.

Pete is preceded in death by her father (’54), mother (‘67), and siblings Dwight, Rusty, Goldie, Thelma, Howard, and Gene. Also passed are two grandchildren.

Surviving Pete are sister, Mildred, three sons, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

A remembrance for Pete is planned for Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the Adair Funeral Home, 8090 N Northern Ave, Oro Valley, AZ 85704. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate.

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