Persis "Perky" Marietta Stealy, 103, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Pensacola, FL, with her daughter, Sally and caregiver, Harriet by her side.

A long-time resident of Muncie, IN, Perky had lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Pensacola for the past 2 years.

Perky was born in Lowell, IN, on September 13, 1917. She met the true love of her life, Richard "Dick" Stealy, during college at Ball State University. They were married on January 15, 1943, and had 61 beautiful years together before Dick's passing in 2004.

Devoted Christians, Perky & Dick were associate staff members with Campus Crusade for Christ from 1974-2000. They worked with college students at Ball State, and their missionary travels included trips to Japan, China, and Israel where they lived for several months showing the "Jesus" film at the King David Cinema in Bethlehem. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Perky treasured her church family and enjoyed opening their home to church gatherings, especially with the Westminster ALOE Senior group.

Perky graduated from Lowell High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education and her Master's Degree in Special Education from Ball State University. She had 28 years of teaching experience, the majority as a homebound teacher and then as a special education teacher at Morrison Mock in Muncie.

A member of the Order of Eastern Star, Sigma Kappa Sorority, McRae Club, and numerous bridge groups, Perky also enjoyed needlework of all kinds, reading, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles.

Perky is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Franklin & Elva (East) Petry; 5 siblings; husband, Richard Stealy; and son, David Stealy.

Left to cherish her memory are daughter, Sally Lee (Barry); grandchildren, James Stealy (Tammy Foster), Mason Lee (Zoe Melo`), Kathryn Longabaugh (Chris); 3 great-grandchildren, (Jack, James & Charlotte Longabaugh who called her Gigi); numerous beloved nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many, many friends who loved her. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her kind & gentle ways.

Funeral services will be 1:30pm on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Muncie, IN, with burial to follow at Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Her family is very grateful for Perky's loving caregiver, Harriet Woods, who was a gift from God, and the wonderful care provided by her Hospice team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2801 West Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304, or to a charity of your choice.