Ellen Ruth Manning

November 17, 1923 - September 1, 2016

Ellen Ruth Manning, of Arcadia, MO, passed away on September 1, 2016 at Iron County Medical Center at the age of 92 years, 9 months, and 15 days. She was born on November 17, 1923 in Hunter, MO to Roy and Lily Webb. She graduated from Ironton High School in 1941. After high school she served as a nurse’s aide in St. Louis during the latter years of World War II. In 1947 she married Walter E. Manning, and together they had two children, Joseph and Jon. During her working career Ellen Ruth was employed at the medical practice of Dr. Ben Bull, as a bookkeeper for Degonia’s Furniture Store a bookkeeper for the Fisher Furniture Store, and she worked for American Smelting and Refining Company for 30 years, retiring in 1994. She served as a member of the Arcadia City Council, was active in Eastern Star, and was active in her church. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Ironton, MO and faithful to her Christian beliefs. She was a voracious reader, an avid bird watcher, an expert in assembling the most challenging jigsaw puzzles, and an ardent fan of the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals, down to the her cardinal red shoes. Ellen Ruth was a very kind, generous, soul, with a heart of gold. She was a much beloved mother and loyal friend to many. She became known as the “Energizer Bunny” at her assisted living facility because of her steadfast resolve that helped her bounce back from cancer, two broken hips, and several other health issues she encountered later in her life. Ellen Ruth made the world a better place for all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Ellen Ruth is survived by her two sons, Joseph Manning of Arcadia, MO and Jon Manning of Sugar Land, TX, and three sisters, Maxine Demand of Mountain Home, AR, Mabren J. Donnelly of Windsor, California, and Audrey Steck of Kansas City, MO. She was predeceased by her husband, Walter and two sisters Vivian Tripp of Ironton, MO and Nedra Peterson of Mountain Home, AR. A memorial service organized by Cole Funeral Home will be held in Ironton, MO on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 10 AM at the Cole Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made the American Cancer Society in memory of Ellen Ruth Manning.