Margery “Marty” Ann Folta

Margery “Marty” Ann (née Fletcher) Folta, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her San Diego home on December 27, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born on November 10, 1937, in New Castle, Indiana, and grew up in Greenfield, Indiana, and after marriage, moved to West Lafayette, Indiana to raise her family.
She found her greatest joy in the roles of grandmother, mother, and wife, and lived each day with unconditional love, a servant’s heart, and a commitment to her faith. Her family was her heart and soul. Marty’s legacy endures in the hearts of her five children, 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, all of whom are a testament to the love and devotion she gave to her family.
Marty graduated from Ball State University where she earned a degree in Art Education and met the love of her life, Bernarr (Bernie) Folta. They shared a life full of love and dedication for each other, until his untimely passing. At the age of 47, Marty entered the workforce for the first time since college. With great resilience, she finished raising her children and saw all of them through college. Her strength and determination were an inspiration to her family and everyone who crossed her path.
Marty’s passion for art was a defining part of her life. An accomplished artist, she found joy in painting, especially creating beautiful watercolor scenes that she would send to loved ones for birthdays and special occasions. Many of those paintings were of scenes of Michigan, where her family built many wonderful vacation memories. She also designed family Christmas cards and painted on rocks with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her artistic spirit extended beyond the home—she was an active volunteer with the Art League and inspired many with her creativity and kindness.
She cherished her close-knit group of friends in West Lafayette. Marty enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, traveling, attending book clubs and weekly breakfast outings at Christo’s with friends. Her ability to balance her social life with her love for family and art was a gift that she shared generously with all who knew her.
Over the last five years of her life, Marty moved from West Lafayette to San Diego to live with her eldest daughter, Kathy Jackson. This time spent together was a blessing for both, and Marty received many visits from her children and grandchildren while living there.
Marty was predeceased by her husband Bernie Folta, her brother Jim Fletcher and sister-in-law Jonnie Fletcher, cousin Don Burch, and her parents, Evelyn and Marvin Fletcher.
She is survived by her children: Kathy Jackson (San Diego, CA), Deb Pilutti (Tom, Ann Arbor, MI), Tim Folta (Marsha, Storrs, CT), Mark Folta (Kristin, Maineville, OH), and Dan Folta (Teri, Fishers, IN); a brood of 14 grandchildren: Brad Folta, Joseph Folta, Dan Jackson, Laura Jackson Bentley, Kyle Hughes-Pilutti, Jacki Drexler, Jack Pilutti, Adam Folta, Audrey Folta, Michael Folta, Kaylee Brockman, Madison Folta, Katie Brenczewski, Owen Folta; and six great-grandchildren: Grey Folta, Teddy Jackson, Wilder Folta, Wesley Jackson Royer, Sadie Jackson and Cormac Jackson.
A celebration of Marty’s life will be held January 11th at Blessed Sacrament church in West Lafayette with the visitation from 10-11, followed by family comments then a Catholic Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Art League of Lafayette, a cause that was dear to Marty’s heart.
Marty’s love for her family, her art, and her friends has left a deep-rooted impact, and she will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.