Mostly Cloudy, 24° F
(February 12, 2002)
Mae H. Percival, a native of Powell, died Tuesday, Feb. 12 in Missoula, Mont. She was 90.
She was born May 8, 1911, at Powell, daughter of Harry and Anna Hecht, among the original homesteaders on the Powell Flat. She graduated from Powell High School in 1929.
She attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie and graduated with a degree in English and Education. She obtained a professional fifth year certificate in education from the University of Montana in Missoula.
After graduation, she married Garth D. Percival. She lived in several Wyoming towns, including Powell, Sundance, Gillette, Newcastle and Lusk. In 1955, she moved to Deer Lodge, Mont., where her husband assumed the position of county extension agent. After his death, she taught sixth grade in Deer Lodge for 16 years.
She felt her greatest satisfaction in her teaching career resulted from her "Million Dollar Idea." In cooperation with the Deer Lodge Federal Savings and Loan Association, for several years she opened a savings account for each student in her class. She taught and encouraged her students to earn and use money to best advantage.
After retirement, she moved to Missoula to live near her daughter and son-in-law. She maintained communication and friendships with a number of her former students.
She was happy when digging, planting or enjoying her garden and flowers. She also enjoyed other outdoor activities, sewing, reading, attending and participating in community events and volunteer activities. She especially enjoyed visiting friends and family and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and George C. Johnson of Missoula; grandson and wife, Randy and Cindy Johnson of Missoula; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Jennifer and MaRysa of Missoula; her brother, William J. Hecht of Powell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Saturday morning, Feb. 16 at the Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula.
Memorials are suggested to Hospice, Missoula County Cancer Assocation and Missoula Food Bank.
