Erma Manning Morehead

Erma Lee Manning Morehead, 86, formerly of Washington, died December 3, 2015 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, December 6 at the Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family received friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral service was at 10 a.m., Monday, December 7 at the Washington Christian Church, Washington. Rev. Jim Stark officiated. Gay Lynn Manning was organist. Leland Cook sang “In the Garden” and Skyler Manning sang “Amazing Grace.” The congregation sang “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Pallbearers were Justin Highberger, Josh Castlebury, Brayden Fulton, Caleb Flynn, Curtis Wiese, Stewart Manning, Scott Manning and Skyler Manning. Honorary Pallbearers were Christopher Manning, Danny Manning and Seth Roberts. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Erma was born in Concordia to Jacob and Bertha (Scott) Thompson on March 31, 1929. She was one of eight girls. Erma was raised in Concordia and graduated from Concordia High School. On August 12, 1950, Erma married Haskell Manning at EUB Church in Concordia. While living in Concordia, Erma worked for the Blade Empire newspaper as a line type operator. They moved to Washington in 1954 and she worked for the Washington County News, ran a DayCare in her home and waitressed. She was also a 4-H cooking leader and Cub Scout den mother. Haskell preceded her in death on August 19, 1982. Erma married Eugene Morehead on December 13, 1985 at the United Methodist Church, Washington. Eugene and Erma enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to area folks. Gardening, camping, fishing, bowling and playing golf were some of her favorite pastimes. Erma would spend time doing arts and crafts and also loved to knit and crochet. Her family was very important to her and she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Haskell; and sisters, Lavina Thompson, Wilma Morgan, Pauline Cassidy, Maise Solie and Mary Gallety. Survivors include her husband, Eugene; children, Glenn Manning, Clay Center, Dennis Manning, Winfield, Peggy Manning, Greenleaf, Mike (Gay Lynn) Manning, Washington, Edna (Tim) Highberger, Hooker, OK, Nancy (Larry) Basel, Solomon; stepchildren, Melvina (Jack) Cutright, Gainesville, FL, Marcia (George) McLaughlin, Salina, Ronald (Cindy) Morehead, Topeka, Douglas (Laryssa) Morehead, Lakewood, WA; sisters, Betty Miller, Concordia, Carol Beatty, Loveland, CO; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial fund will be split between Relay for Life and Cystic Fibrosis. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Erma Manning Morehead, please visit our flower store.