Obituary of Thelma Victoria Manning

Thelma was born to Oscar and Anna Engstrom on July 14, 1926 in Summit , WA and passed away February 25, 2007 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was the youngest of six children. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 50 years (Ed), sister (Emma), and brothers (Bill & Malcolm). Thelma married Ed in 1947. They met at the Fruitland Grange in Woodland. Thelma worked at Bell Telephone in Tacoma when they were first married, then after having children became a full time homemaker and helped her husband build several homes in the peninsula area. She was a wonderful mother & grandmother, a marvelous cook , loved family dinners, and was a gracious hostess. She always had coffee and treats and a warm welcome for anyone who stopped by to say hello. Thelma was also quite the gardener and tended a large vegetable garden for many years. Once her children were grown, Thelma took up golf. She played at Madrona Links and Gold Mountain where she met many nice people and made many dear friends. Thelma is survived by her sisters Lillian Sabol of Olalla & Eve Schmitz (Kurt) of Chapala , Mexico, her sons Ed Jr. (Patty) & Ken (Cindy), grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan, Steven, & Kacy, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank those at Cottesmore Life Care Center, Dr. Lauren Coleman and his staff, and family & friends for their help, visits, prayers, and well wishes during Thelma’s final months. There will be a family graveside service at the Roy Cemetery in Roy , WA on March 12 at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of her life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at The Inn of Gig Harbor. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to The Fred Hutchinson Foundation J5-200 P. O. Box 19024 - Seattle, WA 98109. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008. Visit an online memorial for Thelma at edwardsmemorial.com.