Marta L. Perta

Marta "Marty" Lee Perta, passed away on December 3, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas. Born on January 18, 1951, in Junction City, Kansas where she lived for most of her life, she was a beloved figure to her family and friends, and devoted much of her life to caring for others.

Marty had a career in education, starting as a medical assistant with the Head Start program before spending many rewarding years as a paraprofessional at Eisenhower and Franklin Elementary Schools within USD #475. Her dedication to her students and the educational community was a testament to her passion for nurturing young minds. Prior to her career in education, she was well known to the community from working in the Optical Department at Walmart for ten years.

A voracious reader, Marty found joy and escape immersing herself in countless books over the years and was a frequent patron of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. She loved to travel to visit family and friends and set sail on her first cruise at the age of 66, fulfilling a life-long dream.

Marty's family was the center of her life. She was the proud mother of four children: Ralph Perta and his wife Wendy of Gladstone, Missouri, Amy Perta of Shawnee, Kansas, Abriel Peralta of Buffalo, New York and Joseph Peralta of Manhattan, Kansas. Affectionately referred to as "Grammy”, she was a cherished grandmother to Mercedez Cabrera of Junction City, Giovonna Rodriguez of Topeka, and Avery Rausch of Wichita, as well as a great-grandmother to Ezra Ruiz of Junction City. She ensured that each of them was baptized and confirmed in their Catholic faith, highlighting her commitment to family traditions and faith.

Beyond her immediate family, Marty's legacy extends to her five siblings: Rick Teidel of Junction City, Camice Hernandez of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tiffani Whaley of Manhattan, Kansas, Patrick McGuire Jr. of Bellevue, Nebraska and Steve Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her sister Jane McIntyre and her parents, Patrick F. and Gladys M. (Bean) McGuire, who instilled in her the values of kindness and compassion that she carried throughout her life.

Among her many contributions to the community, Marty actively participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for many years following her own battle with cancer in 1998.

A Rosary service will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Junction City, Kansas, on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM with Father Vincent John officiating.  As we remember Marty Perta, we celebrate her spirit, her love for family, and her lasting legacy of caring for others.