Leila Mable (Manthey) Healy, age 95 of Randolph, passed away Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Randolph Health Services, not far from where she was born in 1923. She began her near century of life as the oldest child of William and Ruth Manthey who had three more children, Irene Patchin, Lester Manthey, and Alice Atkinson. When she was six months old, they moved from her grandparent’s home on County Road P and County SS to south of Cambria to the “round barn farm”.
Her father farmed there before becoming a livestock dealer, with her mother serving as bookkeeper at the Cambria Stockyards. Both sets of Leila’s grandparents came to the United States in the 1860’s from Posnan, Germany, now known as Poland. In 1942, she married Walter Healy, a farmer.
During their 32 years of marriage, they had three brilliant children, adorable, and caring children; Karen Wiersma (Robert G.), Anita Clark (Bill), and David Healy (Sandy). The farm on County P kept everyone busy, but Leila made time to also work outside the home, rather rare at that time. She held jobs at Rockwell in Randolph, Scoreboard in Pardeeville, and the Fall River Canning Factory in Cambria.
In her later years, she became a caretaker for ladies in Tomah, Hastings, MN and finally in a job with hospice in Columbia County. Leila loved reading, so trips to the Pardeeville Library were weekly. She enjoyed playing piano and was a great cook.
The family was active in Rosedale Presbyterian Church, with Leila a member of the Ladies Aide. Leila traveled to France, England, Scotland, Italy, and Greece on three of Anita’s group tours in 1989 and 1991. She lived near Karen’s family and David’s family, so she supported the activities her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
As the Cambria class of 1941 valedictorian, Leila continued learning by participating in Elder Hostel programs and listening to books on tape when macular degeneration took her eye sight. She enjoyed debate and discussion keeping abreast of the news and politics. Leila lived so long, she thought no one would be at her funeral.
But that length of time allowed her seven grandchildren time to give her eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. All of whom celebrate the life that Leila led. She is survived by her three children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister Alice, and sister-in-law Gladys Manthey.
She was preceded in death by one sister Irene, brother Lester Manthey, brothers-in-law Harry Patchin and Walt Atkinson, one nephew numerous aunts, uncles, and most of classmates. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 1 PM at Grasse Funeral Home, 119 Industrial Drive, Pardeeville with Rev. Chuck Walton officiating.
Inurnment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12 Noon until the time of services at the funeral home. The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff at Randolph Health Services for the care and compassion given to our mother.
Also, a special thank you to Shawn McConnell Elgersma for caring and watching over mom while she lived in the Greenview Apartments and to Wendi Dykstra, Leila’s granddaughter for her special care of Grandma.
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