RUTH MANNING
Ruth Mary Manning, 88, of Sabetha, Kansas, was called home by her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at her home at the Apostolic Christian Village apartments.
Ruth was born November 12, 1933 to Alfred and Rena (Northhouse) Visser in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ruth graduated from Plainfield High School in 1952. After graduation, she began working as a secretary at a large insurance company in Grand Rapids. It was during this time that she met David “Dave” Manning who became the love of her life. They were married on September 18, 1953 and were blessed with six children.
In 1961, Ruth and Dave started the D and R House Moving business. Their business would later take them to Wabash, Indiana where they would become active members of the College Corner First Brethren Church. During this time, they felt the call from God to go into ministry. So, they sold their moving business and started their first ministry in Udell, Iowa at the First Brethren Church. While serving in this ministry, Ruth was the church secretary, pianist and started driving a school bus, while at the same time being a busy mom to six children and their friends.
Next, their ministry took them to Falls City, Nebraska and Morrill, Kansas. At the same time, she continued to be a school bus driver for the Falls City School district. Then, their ministry took them to Morrill, Kansas on a full-time basis for the next eight years. Ruth remained busy in the church and drove a school bus for the Sabetha Unified School district. She was known for being a “mom” to many children that she met through her own children, the church and various school activities which earned her the nickname “Momma Ruth.” In 1986, their ministry called them to Friedensburg Bible Church in Avon. During this time, she made many new friends and served the community by delivering Meals on Wheels to people in need. She enjoyed having her grandchildren come for extended visits throughout the year.
In 1996, Ruth and Dave retired and returned to Kansas where she enjoyed spending time with her family and especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities and she and Dave enjoyed camping and spent their winters camping in Texas.
Ruth moved to the Apostolic Christian Village apartments in Sabetha to remain near Dave after he entered the Apostolic Christian Home. She loved her apartment as it afforded her the opportunity to make new friends and wonderful memories.
Ruth was preceded in death by parents; her husband, David; son, Thomas Manning; a great grandson, Max Scott Manning; two sisters, Martha Comdor and Irene Westerhoff; and a brother, Alfred Visser,
She is survived by her five children, David (Tina) Manning Jr. of Mulvane Kansas, Karen (Les) Bronson of Unionville Iowa, Timothy (Marilyn) Manning of Morrill Kansas, Daniel (Vicki) Manning of Humboldt Nebraska, and Kathleen (Jeff) Manning of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Mary Manning, of Morrill; eleven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, December 7 at the NorthRidge Church in Sabetha. Memorial contributions may be made to the Outstretched Arms Ministries and the Gideon’s International sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaires.com.