Wilma Manning, 99

Wilma Rachel Manning, 99, of Newton, died Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Park Centre. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 19, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Lynnville Historical Society, First Presbyterian Church, or Gigi’s Playhouse may be left at the funeral home.

Wilma, the daughter of Dick and Rikie (Swank) Van Hall, was born Apr. 30, 1922, in Tracy. She lived in Sully and Lynnville growing up and graduated from Lynnville High School. During high school, she was an accomplished basketball player, playing in two state basketball tournaments. In 1943, Wilma moved to Newton. While she was dating Earl Ferguson, they managed a roller skating rink and were talented roller skate dancers. They were married in 1948 in Newton. Following Earl’s death, Wilma was united in marriage with George Manning in 1960 in Newton. Wilma worked for 30 years at the Maytag Company as a timekeeper and a tool order clerk, retiring in 1979. She was a member of the Maytag fast pitch softball team. She was also a member of the Lynnville Historical Society, Jasper County Historical Society, Moose Lodge, and First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed camping, campfires, fishing, mushroom hunting, and making afghans and quilts.

Wilma is survived by her son, Randy (Barbara) Ferguson of Newton; stepdaughter, Liz Wegner of Newton; grandchildren, Landon (Nicole) Ferguson of Newton, Collin Ferguson of Newton, and Lauren Ferguson of Newton; stepgrand-children, John (Tari) Wegner of Springfield, IL, and Beverly (Steve) Fritz of Omaha, NE; great-grandson, Leo Ferguson; stepgreat-grand-children, Megan Wegner, Lucy Wegner, Rylee Fritz, and McKinley Fritz; her seven nieces; and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Earl Ferguson; second husband, George Manning; sisters, Bertha (Bernard) Simmons, Jennie (James) Wilson, Margaret (Henry) Spalink, and Julia (Leland) Smith; brother, Richard (Shirley) Van Hall; three nieces; and one nephew.

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