Anita Manning Obituary

Manning
Anita Beth Patton
Manning
March 14, 1954
July 8, 2024

Anita Beth Patton Manning, PhD left us to join her lost loved ones and her Lord Monday, July 8th. She departed comfortably and surrounded by her family.

Anita loved "making a memory" and was determined, adventurous, and appreciated the music of John Denver deeply.

Anita was born on March 14th, 1954, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Leonard Milton Patton and Beth Decker Patton, both of whom preceded her in going to God. Dr. Manning was a distinguished school psychologist; she was awarded the CSSP Psychologist of the Year and served as the president of CSSP. However, her greatest source of pride was the life she and her husband–Bob Manning (who left us in 2022)–created. They were married in August of 1978 at the same church where they met. Among the wedding party were her family that survive her: brother Keith Patton (Mary) of Denver, CO, and in-laws Margaret Poeppel (Wolfgang) of Augsburg, Germany, John Manning of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Dorothy Ivey (Greg) of Gentry, Arkansas, and Kaye Patton (who has preceded Anita in death).

Anita worked with Bob to provide a wonderful life full of learning and love for their sons: Chris and Matt. The joy she felt from mothering grew as she added daughters when Amber married Chris, and Renee married Matt. Her heart grew bigger than she thought possible when her grandsons, Jack and Leonard, were born. She loved spoiling them and the highlight of her day was often a conversation with one of them. She is survived by all her children and grandchildren, who love her now and always.

Anita lived her life as a loyal servant and messenger of God. She was a founding member of both Wilson UMC and Tri-Lakes UMC, served in church choirs, and helped found Tri Lakes Music Association.Dr. Manning's personal passion was distance running- she ran marathons into her 60s, and her favorite race was the Bolder Boulder.

Anita will be remembered with a memorial service at Tri-Lakes United Methodist on August 3rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tri-Lakes Music Association or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Also, please honor Anita's memory by making memories with your family and friends: go camping, enjoy concerts, or travel somewhere new.