In Memory Of
Rebecca Ann Manning
1943
2014
Rebecca Ann Manning
February 5, 1943 — March 10, 2014
Becky Manning – Rebecca Ann Nelson Manning, age 71, died March 10, 2014, in Topeka, KS.
She was a war baby, born to Harriet and Jesse Nelson on February 5, 1943, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Upon graduation from Bettendorf High School (Bettendorf, Iowa,) Becky was offered a vocal scholarship to Iowa State University. She instead decided to become a Registered Nurse. While working at Osawatomie State Hospital in Osawatomie, KS, she met her future husband Cliff, whose parents worked at the hospital. She used to comment, "I met my husband at the mental hospital and I was the nurse." She fell in love and married Clifford Manning on July 9, 1966.
One of her proudest accomplishments was earning her P.H.T. (Putting Hubby Through) the University of Kansas in 1969 and starting a family. Becky was a very successful registered nurse, having worked in psychiatry, delivery/maternity, as a school nurse and public health administrator. She concluded her 25 year nursing career as a supervisor in charge of three health clinics in Shawnee County.
Changing careers, in 1986 she founded Manning Music. She worked long hours as owner and manager, growing the company from a small storefront business to serving 30 plus school districts across Kansas. She ultimately retired and sold the business to her son, Todd, in 1996.
Besides family and a strong work ethic, Becky had many interests including painting, cross-stitch, KU basketball, reading, and travel. She was a member of the Topeka Jayhawk Club and Sweet Adelines. Becky loved antiques and had a space at a local antique mall. She was a creative soul with a great sense of humor, always encouraging and inspiring others to "put it out there for all to see". She fully supported her husband's many endeavours and loved music and the arts.
Survivors include her husband, Clifford, three children and their spouses: Todd and Deb Manning from Topeka, Tim Manning and Lori Hanson from Lawrence, and Paige and B.J. Stansifer from Wichita. Six grandchildren: Daniel, Nathan, Aidin, Eliot, Trey and Arya. Other survivors are her father Jesse Ivan Nelson from Mesa, AZ, one brother and spouse Randy and Rose Nelson, Gilbert, AZ., a niece, Leah (Nelson) Freed,Wauconda, IL and a nephew Scott Sanders and spouse Dawn Admire-Sanders from Florrisant, CO. She was preceded in death by one sister Susan (Nelson) Sanders and her mother, Harriet (McVay) Nelson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Mount Hope Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka with burial to follow in the cemetery.
Rebecca will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday, March 14 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a message of Rebecca or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was a war baby, born to Harriet and Jesse Nelson on February 5, 1943, in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Upon graduation from Bettendorf High School (Bettendorf, Iowa,) Becky was offered a vocal scholarship to Iowa State University. She instead decided to become a Registered Nurse. While working at Osawatomie State Hospital in Osawatomie, KS, she met her future husband Cliff, whose parents worked at the hospital. She used to comment, "I met my husband at the mental hospital and I was the nurse." She fell in love and married Clifford Manning on July 9, 1966.
One of her proudest accomplishments was earning her P.H.T. (Putting Hubby Through) the University of Kansas in 1969 and starting a family. Becky was a very successful registered nurse, having worked in psychiatry, delivery/maternity, as a school nurse and public health administrator. She concluded her 25 year nursing career as a supervisor in charge of three health clinics in Shawnee County.
Changing careers, in 1986 she founded Manning Music. She worked long hours as owner and manager, growing the company from a small storefront business to serving 30 plus school districts across Kansas. She ultimately retired and sold the business to her son, Todd, in 1996.
Besides family and a strong work ethic, Becky had many interests including painting, cross-stitch, KU basketball, reading, and travel. She was a member of the Topeka Jayhawk Club and Sweet Adelines. Becky loved antiques and had a space at a local antique mall. She was a creative soul with a great sense of humor, always encouraging and inspiring others to "put it out there for all to see". She fully supported her husband's many endeavours and loved music and the arts.
Survivors include her husband, Clifford, three children and their spouses: Todd and Deb Manning from Topeka, Tim Manning and Lori Hanson from Lawrence, and Paige and B.J. Stansifer from Wichita. Six grandchildren: Daniel, Nathan, Aidin, Eliot, Trey and Arya. Other survivors are her father Jesse Ivan Nelson from Mesa, AZ, one brother and spouse Randy and Rose Nelson, Gilbert, AZ., a niece, Leah (Nelson) Freed,Wauconda, IL and a nephew Scott Sanders and spouse Dawn Admire-Sanders from Florrisant, CO. She was preceded in death by one sister Susan (Nelson) Sanders and her mother, Harriet (McVay) Nelson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Mount Hope Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka with burial to follow in the cemetery.
Rebecca will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday, March 14 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
To share a message of Rebecca or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rebecca Ann Manning, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, March 14, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 6
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