Barbara Ruth Manthey

Barbara Ruth Manthey, 91, formerly of Berlin and Southington, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the Jerome Home in New Britain.

Born in New Britain, she was the beloved daughter of the late Theodore and Edith (Knopf) Manthey. Barbara was a woman defined by her tireless work ethic, resilience, and selfless generosity. She was employed at Nutmeg Physical Therapy Group, Cross Health Care and eventually retired after many memorable years at Johnson Garden Center in Kensington, where her warmth and dedication were evident to all who knew her.

Barbara was a devoted and active member of Cheshire Lutheran Church, where she sang in the sanctuary choir and rang bells in the bell choir. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided everything she did. She lived her beliefs through action, giving freely of her time, her cooking, and her resources to anyone in need. Whether preparing a meal, lending a hand, or offering quiet support, Barbara was always there, often without being asked and never seeking recognition.

Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow parishioners will remember Barbara as one of the most hardworking and generous people they had ever known. Her kindness was constant, her door was always open, and her presence made others feel cared for and seen. She touched countless lives through her compassion and willingness to help, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In addition to her faith, family and community, Barbara found great joy cheering on the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team. It was a passion she followed with enthusiasm and pride. She never missed a game.

Surviving are her nephew, Kenneth Manthey and his wife Helen Hastings of Haddam; a lifelong special friend, Barbara Karroll; her grandnephews and grandniece Garrett Manthey and his wife Deanne, Ryan Manthey and Kendra Farrell and her husband Chris; and several great-grandnephews; Austin Manthey, Denver Manthey and Theodore Farrell, and great-grandniece Sidoti Farrell. Barbara was predeceased by her brother Norman Manthey and a grandnephew Daniel Manthey.

The Manthey family would like to thank the entire staff at Arbor Rose Pavilion and Jerome Home for their care and support.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 at 10 AM at the Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 West Main St., Cheshire, CT. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Monday from 4-6 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Kensington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cheshire Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 157, Cheshire, CT 06410.