Lou Ella Withrow Felderman

Lou Ella Withrow Felderman, age 97, of Platteville entered eternal life on Sunday Aug 24, 2014, at Southwest Health Center. Lou Ella, one of 8 children, was born September 19, 1916, in Grant County, the daughter of Arthur and Orpha (Gillian ) McPherson. She was a graduate of Potosi High School and Platteville Teachers College.

On January 2, 1937, she was united in marriage to John A. Withrow in Galena, IL. Six children came to bless this union. They farmed for several years near Potosi and 17 years north of Platteville until retirement.

Lou Ella taught in area rural schools for several years and later in the Platteville Public Schools. She was adept in pen lettering and Old English, also she loved Rose mauling.

Her husband John passed away in 1967. She married Ralph Felderman in 1976. He passed away in 1991.

Lou Ella made many handmade quilts for her children and grandchildren. She loved the outdoors and went fishing with her son Gary. Fishing and her cottage at Cassville were how she spent her summers.

Lou Ella is survived by 3 daughters, Peggy (Richard) Meyer, Patricia (James) Bruun, Barbara Browning. Sons, Gary (Sharon) Withrow, Jon (Shirley) Withrow and son-in-law Dean Collins all of Platteville. Step-daughter Carol Schardt of California and step daughter-in-law Marge Felderman of Iowa. She is further survived by 20 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 7 step-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Lou Ella is also survived by sister, Marian McClain and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lynn Ann Withrow Collins. Her parents and siblings, Maude, Jenny, Dorothy (George McClain), Gretta (Clarence Knox), Clifford (Florence McPherson), Arthur Lee McPherson, and brother-in-law LaVerne McClain, great grandson Logan Vargo, step grandson Mark Schardt, Step son Ralph R Felderman, step son-in-law George Schardt and nephew Jim Knox.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 28, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Platteville United Methodist Church with Pastor Brenda Whitford officiating. Private family burial was in Nip-n-Tuck Cemetery, Lima Township. Family and friends called on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Lou Ella Withrow Felderman Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Platteville is serving the family.