Anita Manning

Anita B. (Bear) Manning

October 2, 1923 - December 4, 2015

BROOKS - Bernice Anita (Bear) Manning was born October 2, 1923 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Francis (Frank) and Frances (Haasser) Bear. She was the second arrival of 10 Bear children. Heaven received another angel on Friday, December 4, 2015 with her loving family by her side. She went peacefully to our Lord, and to join her husband James (07/03/09) and son Stephen James (12/26/12).

Growing up, Anita attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Long Prairie, Minn. Upon moving to Oregon, the Bear family made stays in Sherwood and St. Paul, before settling in Mt. Angel, where she graduated from Mt. Angel Academy. During WWII Anita volunteered at the Portland USO until her Mother Frances passed away in 1945. She moved back to Woodburn to help her Father care for the younger siblings.

On May 1, 1947 she married James Fredrick Manning at S. Luke's Catholic Church in Woodburn. They were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais as they made their home in the rural Brooks setting of Howell Prairie near Parkersville. It was here that mom earned the self-proclaimed title of "Princess of Howell Prairie". She loved raising and spending time with her 8 children, 25 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.

Surviving Anita are her four daughters: Kathleen (Clem) Fleck of Woodburn, Joan (Fletcher) Lee of Keizer, Joyce (Roger) Bowman of Richland, WA, and Dana Pennell of Alexandria, VA; three sons: Timothy of Richland, WA, Keith (Jackie) of Mt. Angel, and Terry of Silverton.

In addition, she is survived by sisters: Clara LeBrun, Portland, OR, Patty Campbell, Southern Oregon; brothers: Leonard Bear, Hornbook, CA, Arnold Bear, Meridian, ID, and Ermin Bear, Eugene. She was preceded in death by brother: Stephen Bear; sisters: Laurine Baker, Francis Vandehey and Rosalia Mendenhall.

We will always remember Anita as a feisty and loving Mother, Grandmother and friend. Anita embodied zestful living, love for family, joy for playing music, zany humor, and enjoyed volunteering through her Catholic faith. She adored teasing family and friends. She knew no strangers due to her outgoing personality. Besides her care for the family, Anita read voraciously about natural health alternatives and how to live a better life on this earth. Her memory and spirit will live on in all whom she touched. We will miss you, your guidance, counseling, adages, mentoring, prayer, and unconditional love.

Anita's family would like to thank the outstanding staff at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community, who lovingly cared for her, we couldn't ask for a better home her last months of life, and Saint Edwards Catholic Church for their outreach program and weekly visits.

A Rosary Vigil service will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on December 11, 2015 at 10:30 AM.

A Memorial Mass (Celebration of Life) will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais. Reception following at the hall. Private inurnment will be at Willamette National Cemetery, where mom and dad will be united for eternity.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Anita's name to Sacred Heart Parish, 605 Seventh St., Gervais, OR 97026.

Arrangements entrusted to Keizer Funeral Chapel.