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Gweneth
Obituary of Gweneth Ritchie Manson
Gwen R Manson, 93, left us on August 22, 2019, to return to her beloved "Blue Rose Ballroom", singing her way home to the Lord.
She was born in Portland, Oregon on October 6 1925 to Joseph Harold & Agnes Ritchie Comery. Her father was in the lumber industry which brought the family to Prescott, Oregon. She and her brother John grew up in a house on the banks of the Columbia River, where they spent most of their time. They both would attend school in Prescott, Oregon and later Rainier Union High School in Rainier, Oregon.
Gwen married Lt Arthur J Middleton (USAAF), a childhood friend, becoming a military wife traveling the United States. Her son Arthur J was born in McCook NB in 1945, her daughter Susan Ritchie was born in Ft Worth TX in 1951. A transfer to Washington DC became her favorite place to live, before transferring back home to the Pacific NW.
Raised in the Episcopal church, they joined a little church in Burke, Virginia, close to where they lived. Church always played an important role in their life, a source of support and comfort in years to come. She went to school and became certified as a Nurse's Aide, all the while serving in the hospital as a volunteer.
Upon returning to the NW, St. Columbus Church in Des Moines, Washington became their favorite church. Minister Barrie Winn,his wife Ann, and their children became and remained best friends. A few years after returning to the NW, Gwen and Arthur divorced. Gwen remarried to Harry L Manson and they lived in Des Moines, Washington for several years until finally moving to Gig Harbor, Washington, where they built their dream house. Their children would visit often, Gwen loved her extended family. Gwen joined St. John's Episcopal Church in Gig Harbor; sang in the choir and volunteered at the adjacent thrift store.She enjoyed her relationship with her church family and appreciated the love they embraced her with.
She loved her family and friends, interior decorating, and gardening. Her roses and rhododendrons were gorgeous. She always had her yellow Lab with her and enjoyed long walks with her best friend Ruby. Gwen spent hours on her deck enjoying the tranquility ofthe Puget Sound as the waves came and went with the tides.
She was Godmother and Aunt to nephews Russell and Keith and niece Sandra.
She is survived by daughter Susan (Rick) Niemier, stepchildren Carol(Roger) Champney,
Dick Manson, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.
Preceding in death; son Arthur J, husband Harry L , stepdaughter Susan Strausburg, brother John, sister in law Joyce, and stepdaughter-in-law Carol Manson.
Memorial Service will be on October 5th 2019 at 11:00 AM at Washington Veterans Home
1141 Beach Drive East Port Orchard WA 98366 (360) 725-9843
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association.
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