Geneva A Manning, age 99, rose to her home with Jesus on June 4, 2018, at the home of her daughter, Kathy (Gronau) Terral, where she had resided since December 2017. She passed away following a slow health decline. Geneva was born September 13, 1918, the only child of John and Clara (King) Fluke. She lived east of Newton until age 8 when the family purchased land three miles east and three miles south of Newton. Geneva graduated from Newton High School in 1937 and attended Emporia State Teachers College where she received her teaching certification. She taught school at Excelsior and Norris Schools from 1938 to 1943. While attending Emporia State Teachers College she met Byron Manning and they were married May 13, 1943. After living briefly in Burns, Kansas, they moved to the farm directly south of her parents where they spent their lives farming, raising fat cattle and running a dairy.
Byron and Geneva raised three daughters who have many happy memories of their childhood. They are Kathy Manning (Gronau) Terral and husband Pastor James Terral III of Girard Kansas; Karen Manning Wilson and husband Dr. William Wilson of rural Newton, and Rita Manning Lyon and husband Richard A. Lyon of Olathe, Ks.
Byron and Geneva had eight grandchildren: Scott Gronau and wife Allison of Pittsburg, Ks; Dr. Kimberly Wilson Flaming and husband Steve of Shawnee, Ks; Michael Gronau and wife Emily of Girard, Ks; Kevin Lyon and wife Catharine of Fort Worth, Tx; Briana Wilson Kircher of Olathe, Ks; Melinda Wilson Newell and husband Pete, of rural Newton; Jamie Lyon Kennedy and husband Talley of Olathe, Ks, and Joni Wilson Pfeifer and husband Alan of rural Newton. They had twenty great grandchildren and four step grandchildren.
Geneva and Byron were active in the First Presbyterian Church of Newton, Ks where both served in many capacities through the years. Geneva was known for her work in the kitchen and, until unable to do so because of health, rarely missed working a church or funeral dinner.
They served as 4-H Community Leaders for many years including serving in many capacities at the Harvey County Fair. Byron and Geneva were known in the community to provide any and all neighbor children a ride to the Newton High School games, the fair, the school social or any fun activity they may not be able to attend otherwise.
Geneva drove a bus for Newton Public Schools for 30 years where she received many accolades for her safe driving. She enjoyed hearing from many of her riders long after they became adults and often drove their children in her later years.
Geneva lived a long happy life serving her Lord, her family and her community. She leaves a legacy of happy memories and many who loved her.
Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Byron, and a son in law, Orin P. Gronau, all of whom welcome her into her new heavenly home. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the family receiving from 6 to 8 pm at Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Ks. The service will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, June 7th at the First Presbyterian
Kathy-Love and prayers to you and your family!
A beautifully written story about a full and fruitful life. Family is everything worth cherishing, a blessing to all.
I have many happy memories of visiting in Byron and Geneva home during jr. high and high school. they were a wonderful couple. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Rodney and Verla (Harms) Vogts
We are sorry we cannot be there. I am not cleared for long rides yet due to surgery that I had. This woman had a special place in Donovan and my hearts! Praying for the family and we rejoice that she is at the feet of Jesus!
Such a sweet, loving lady. So blessed to have been able to meet her and enjoy her sweet spirit.
She was a precious lady with a precious family!!
She was a great lady I am sorry for you lost.
Karen and Rita, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your mother. My deepest sympathy to the Manning family.
Karen and Rita, I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s death. My deepest sympathy to the Manning family.
Awe. . . Geneva was such a significant part of my family’s life growing up. She and Byron were so kind and loving to me from the time I can remember as a toddler until adulthood. So glad she is rejoicing in Heaven, but leaves us here with an empty place in our hearts. Love to all her precious family! ! !
Dear Karen and your entire family. I have many fond memories of your mom when I spent many overnights at your home. Reading through your mom’s many happy memories of her life brought a smile. And now she is happy to be with her Lord Jesus and I know the comfort that brings you.
Thinking of all of you, Love Jane
Sorry for your loss!! God Bless! She was my bus driver.
She was one of my most favorite bus drivers ❤️ Such a kind soul.