Gwen Manning

Our sweet and dearly loved mother, Gwen Briscoe Manning, left us early in the morning on October 21, 2014 after struggling against Alzheimers disease. Moms battle is over; we now struggle with her loss, but are comforted by our memories of her and by her enduring love. Mom was born on December 23, 1927 in Pocatello, the first daughter and second child of Elna Johnson Briscoe and Wilford Briscoe. She grew up on the family farm in Tyhee with her older brother Harold, her younger brothers, Jay, Sam, and David and her sister Merrilyn. The closely knit family and extended Briscoe family was made even closer by working together through the depression and World War II. Tragically, shortly after the war ended, her father died, leaving the young family fatherless. Mom was 18 when her father died. All of her life, she spoke lovingly of him and how much she missed him. We will do the same for her. Mom graduated from Pocatello High School and began working as a secretary at the Fort Hall Agency until she met and married our recently deceased father, Leon Wallace Manning. They were married in Burley, Idaho on moms 19 th birthday, December 23, 1946, then sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. They then moved to Preston where they built a new home and later sold it to help dad and his brother, Allen Manning, finance the start of a new mortuary business in Pocatello in 1953. In addition to rearing 5 children, mom helped in dads mortuary businesses, and was active in service and charitable organizations, including the Pocatello chapters of the Toastmistress International Club and the Altrusa International Club, the Pocatello Literary Club, the Pocatello music club, PTA and cub scout organizations, and most significantly, in her LDS church callings. She did everything with enthusiasm but with a kind and gentle touch. Mom was extraordinarily intelligent and made sure that every homework assignment was completed, even if she did it herself, that every word was spelled correctly and that every report card was thoroughly reviewed. She rarely answered a question from her children with "I dont know." When she didnt have an answer, she would go, with child in tow, to the encyclopedia or some other source until she and the child had an answer. She encouraged and helped us in everything we and dad did, never seeking recognition for herself but always standing quietly on the sideline content to have others credited for what she helped accomplish. She sacrificed for her children and grandchildren and made certain that we all knew how much we were loved. She often said "beauty is as beauty does," and " love you much! " She was truly beautiful, and truly loved. Mom leaves behind 5 children, Leon (LeeAnn), Brent (Chris), Sheryl (Gene Anderson), Richard (Rochelle), and Michelle (Jared Clinger); 17 grand-children: Tracie (Brent Erickson), Kristie, Holli (Russell Watson), Justin, Britt (Heidi), John (Shannon), Ian, Hanna, Rachel (Shiloh Allen), Chris, Arrin (Marcus Barton), Ben, Austin (Angie), Mason (Jordan), Dane, Cody (Rachel), and Marshall; 23 great-grandchildren: Colton, Easton, Tyler, Dylon, Brody, Eli, Livia, Emme, Gentry, Brityn, Daniel, Lily, Gabriel, Tate, Isabelle, Caroline, William, Harper, Sam, Jonah, Lillian, Gwendolyn, and Scarlett. The Manning family wishes to give thanks to all who have helped care for Gwen in her later years. We are grateful and know that she appreciated every help. Nurses, Marion and Angie at The Gables, and all the sweet caregivers who so lovingly attended her and loved her. The Manning family would also like to express gratitude to Dr. LaVonne Mills, the caring staff at Copper Summit Assisted Living, Heritage Hospice, Roxanne Manteca, Art and Teresa Benavidez, and Lanae Wadsworth for all of their care with both their parents. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the LDS Gibson Jack Ward Building, 8200 West Portneuf Rd. Pocatello, Idaho 83204. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Portneuf Rd. Church and for one hour prior to the services, also at the church. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5 th Ave. Pocatello, ID 83204. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com

Funeral Service

10/25/2014 14:00



LDS Church, Corner of Cedar and Poole

550 W. Cedar St.

Pocatello

Idaho

83201



Visitation

10/24/2014 18:30

20:30:00

LDS Portneuf Building

8200 W. Portneuf Rd

Pocatello

Idaho

83204