Virginia Alma McManis
Virginia Alma McManis, long-time Wyoming resident, passed away peacefully on December 14,2009 in Billings, Montana at the age of 89.
Virginia was born to Louie and Merle Nelson Bell on October 6, 1920 at the Nelson family ranch at Hyattville, Wyoming. At the age of 10, Virginia and the family moved to Lucernce, Wyoming where her father ranched for several years. Virginia graduated from Thermopolis High School in May of 1932 and on December 25 of the same year she married Robert (Bob) McManis her life-long love. Their daughter Dona was born in 1943.
Virginia and Bob, who worked for the Husky Oil Company, lived in Cody for many years before moving to Calgary, Alberta and Denver, Colorado and finally retiring to their beloved Cody. In 2007, Virginia and Bob moved to Highgate Assisted Living in Billings, Montana where they enjoyed meeting new friends. Although the last two years of Virginia's life at Highgate were full of challenges she never complained and always remained positive, feisty and fearless.
She loved life, her family, her friends, bridge, golf and her iPod. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be missed.
Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) and is survived by her daughter Dona Hagen (Paul), granddaughter Sydney Hagen, Anna Knapp, Tom and Glenda Knapp, Lisa Knapp, David Knapp, Ted and Mitzi Knapp, Melissa, Chad and Parker Rieger, Brad, Kristin and Addison Knapp, Carl and Diane McManis, Mike, Chris, Carl and Jessie McManis, Debbie and Christopher Anders, Sam, Beth, Casey, Cormac and Maggie McManis, and many friends.
A memorial celebration of Virginia's life will be held at 11 :00 A.M., on December 22,2009 at the Ballard Funeral Home in Cody, Wyoming with a reception following. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Virginia's life may be sent to Saint Vincent Healthcare Foundation, 1106 North 30th, Billings, Montana, 59101 or the National Kidney Foundation, 3151 S. Vaughn Way, Suite 505, Aurora, Colorado, 80014.
Remembrances
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Dona and Sydney - I am so sad about Gin's passing and I really miss seeing her and Bob around town. They were both two of my favorite people ever and I will always treasure the memories I have of growing up next door to you (twice!) and how good they always were to me. You are very lucky to have had two wonderful parents and it is so tough to lose them.
All of my mom's friends are gone and it makes it very lonesome for her.
Some days I wish we could just go back to those fun days in our neighborhood and I can still see your mom in the kitchen when I would come over. Also, I remember her letting me come over and watch "The Lone Ranger" on tv since we didn't have one. She would fold the laundry while I watched the program. And your dad telling me "we don't want any bananas today." What characters they were and so special to me. Take care, Virginia (your mom was Firginia and I was Virginia - that way we knew who we were talking about.)
What a beautiful lady! I had only known her a short time while doing dialysis but I will remember her for her lovely smile and words of encouragement for all.