Loantafay Martha Percell

Loantafay Martha Percell (aka Lanny) ,87, passed away at approximately 7:30 am Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the New Glarus Home, located in New Glarus, WI, just 15miles from the home she shared with her daughter in Blanchardville for the past 16 years. Lanny was born on January 26, 1924 in Huntington, Indiana. She was one of ten children in the family. She lived all her life in Huntington County, Indiana (except for the last 16 years of her life) and was the first one in her family to graduate from high school. She was a child of the Great Depression and witnessed WWII. Her parents were Harry Folk and Emma Folk (Snowden). She has two surviving sisters, Wanda McLain of Fort Wayne, IN and Loretta Spath of Albion. Lanny married Marion Richard Percell on June 18, 1949 in Huntington, IN. Shortly thereafter the couple moved to Andrews, IN and spent their married life there. They had two children, Stanley Thomas Percell and Catherine (Casey) Percell, both raised in Andrews. In addition, three grandchildren: Taumara Jo MacDonald, Scotia Marea Mockobee, and Adam Ward. Several great grandchildren followed. Marion became disabled in his 40s and died on December 30, 1980. Lanny was his caregiver for many years, all alone, while working a full-time job with Saturdays as overtime. Needless to say, she faced many challenges in her life and she faced them without complaint and with amazing inner strength. While raising her family and acting as caregiver to Marion, Lanny worked over 30 years at the Essex Wire Company in Andrews. In addition, Lanny took great pride in her home and landscaping. She also brought that pride and interest to her daughter's home where she lived until late November of 2010. While living in Blanchardville, WI since 1995, Lanny became a University of Wisconsin sports fan. She especially liked watching the UW football team and the UW Women's Basketball team. She and her daughter Casey occasionally attended some UW games. Finally, beginning a week before Thanksgiving 2010, she suffered a series of strokes and a mild heart attack, which placed her eventually at the New Glarus Home until her recent death. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers: Delmar Folk, Curtis Folk, and Wilfred (Bill) Folk. Four sisters preceded her in death also: Alberta Folk, as an infant, Vurljean Vinnedge, Williastein (Willie) Bragg, and Athena Whitesall. Lanny's daughter and some friends will gather for a private service in Blanchardville. Casey Percell will return to Huntington, IN for a celebration of Lanny's life with her family and friends there. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com