Etta M. Percell

Etta Goos Percell, 97, Topeka, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at a local care center.

Etta was born January 23, 1917 in Loup County, Nebraska, the daughter of Frederick and Maude Goos. She spent her early life on her parent's ranch near Taylor, NE. She gained life's most valuable education in values, growing up on the ranch with her brothers and sisters.

She graduated from Taylor High School. She completed her education by attending Kearney State College, the University of Nebraska and Hastings College of Nebraska. She continued her education by attending Washburn University, Emporia State College and Kansas State University.

She began teaching at the early age of 16 years in the rural schools of Loup County, NE, moving from there to Park Forrest, IL. She left the Park Forrest School System to accept a teaching position in the Topeka Public Schools. She taught in the Topeka District #501 for twenty five years, retiring in the Spring of 1987.

She was a former member of the Hastings Assembly of God Church and attended First Assembly of God Church in Topeka. She was also a member of the N.E.A. and the Retired Teachers Association.

Etta married Theodore D. Percell on November 18, 1950 in Lander, WY. Her life centered around her husband, her two children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Christian activities. Survivors include her husband of 63 years; son, Dr. Denis Percell, Lebanon, MO; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Wellman; four brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Mount Hope Chapel. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.