Aquanita "Nita" Marie (Carter) Petty was born in Denver Colorado to Marjory Patton-Carter and Charles Carter. She moved around to many states such as Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, and eventually California where she met the love of her life, Robert "John" Petty and her best friend Nancy Petty-Gravelle.

Nita was proud of her Cherokee heritage and enjoyed staying with her grandparents in New Mexico on their reservation during her childhood. Nita enjoyed a home economics program in school and continued to enjoy cooking throughout her life. She often discussed her childhood and shared many stories with family and friends.

Nita married Robert Jonathan "John" Petty in 1971 and they remained married for 49 years until his death in 2021. They enjoyed a very long and adventurous life together. Nita & John had three children, Robert, Milton, & Bobby. Sadly they lost Robert in 1972.

Nita loved her family deeply and spent many years as a caregiver to her in-laws Bobby Lee Petty and Althea Carter-Petty. Nita also was heavily involved in scouting during her sons childhood. She often told stories of the scouting experiences and her fondness for it.

Nita loved animals. She had several dogs and cats over the years. She treated them as her own children and loved them all.

Nita began traveling and very much enjoyed it. Her diverse travels led to many unique experiences. She often traveled to Las Vegas until she discovered "cruising". Nita loved going on cruises and thoroughly enjoyed many of her trips. Some of the best trips were Alaska, Hawaii, and California. Nita and John began doing many adventures such as swimming with dolphins, parasailing, Segway experiences, scuba diving, hiking up pikes peak, helicopter travels over volcanos, snorkeling, and even rugged off roading. Nita also loved Disney parks. They took many trips to Disney both in California and Florida.

Nita is preceded in death by many people she deeply loved including her loving husband Robert J. Petty, father Charles Carter, mother Marjory (Patton) Carter, sister Sandra Sue Carter, brother Mark Daniel Carter, brother Colonel Carter, son Robert Petty, sister in law Shauna Priestly Carter, nephew Christopher Carter, best friend and sister in law Nancy Petty Gravelle, father in law Bobby Lee Petty, and mother in law Althea Petty.

Nita is survived by her son Milton Petty and his wife Andrea, her son Bobby Petty and his wife Maureen, grandchildren- Kirklyn Petty (partner Brooke Fairchild), Mitchell Petty, Peyton Petty (wife Tessa), Alayna Petty, Kyle Petty, great grandchildren- Finley Petty, Ezri Petty, and Kinsley Petty. She also is survived by several nieces and nephews. Nita is also survived by her Bassett hound Molly who was incredibly special to her.

Nita was very loved by all of her family, extended family, and friends. She will be greatly missed.