Dorothy Stevenson Pettit

Petitt—Dorothy Stevenson Pettit, 94, on March 16, 2024, in Juliustown, N.J. Dorothy was born on March 2, 1930, in Mount Holly, N.J. She was a lifetime resident of Springfield Township, N.J.

Dorothy and her husband, William H. Pettit Sr., were both birthright Quakers. Bill grew up in Rancocas (N.J.) Meeting, and Dorothy was a longtime member of that meeting. The last four or five years of her life, she was a member of Crosswicks (N.J.) Meeting.

In 1951, Dorothy and Bill began their lives together as “share farmers,” where they farmed land they did not own in return for a share of the profits. In 1959, they purchased a 206-acre farm that later became known as Huff ’n Puff Farm. Starting with nothing, they built a nationally recognized dairy farm. Dorothy assisted Bill on the farm with everything from mowing hay to keeping the books, all the while raising four sons. They were leaders of the Meadow Clippers 4-H Dairy Club for more than 12 years and were dedicated mentors to its members. Dorothy was very active in the New Jersey Agricultural Society and was awarded the 2004 Farm Woman of the Year by the Burlington County Board of Agriculture. For several years she served as president of the Northern Burlington County Regional High School Board of Education.

Dorothy lived on Huff ’n Puff Farm for 73 years. She enjoyed her horses and collies, gardening, and many years participating in the county and state Holstein shows. She always loved having the family together, particularly on holidays. She was an excellent cook and probably best known for her homemade chocolate cake.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Bill Pettit Sr., who died in 2016.

She is survived by four sons, William H. Pettit Jr. (Carolyn), James P. Pettit (Pam), Christopher B. Pettit, Joel S. Pettit (Sarah); 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.