Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Manning

Betty Jane Manning, 88, of Bellingham, WA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on April 24, 2015 at Highland Health and Rehabilitation. She was born on May 20, 1926 in Vancouver, WA to Dan and Irene Carroll.

She graduated from Providence Academy in Vancouver, WA with honors and worked as a dental assistant. Betty met her future husband, Raymond Lewis Manning, Jr. in 1946, following his return from service in the South Pacific during World War II. They married on June 10, 1950 at St. John’s Church in Vancouver, WA. In 1952, just months after the arrival of their first daughter, Rosanne, Ray received a promotion within the J.C. Penney Co. which took the young family to Mount Vernon, WA, where their second daughter, Marybeth was born. They later moved to Everett and Tacoma, and in 1988 they retired to Bellingham to be closer to family. Betty was a delight and like a ray of sunshine to many who knew her. Some of her greatest joys included sharing time with her sweetheart, Ray, baking cookies with her grandchildren, and serving as a “greeter” at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she developed a special talent for remembering names and sharing a warm welcome.

Betty leaves behind her devoted husband of 64 years, Ray; daughters, Rosanne Manning and Marybeth Manning (husband George Schmidt) grandchildren Calla Schmidt, Evan Schmidt, Carly Otterson and Martin Otterson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Augustus Carroll and Mary Irene (LeVeque) Carroll, brother Daniel Francis Carroll, sister-in-law Maruja Carroll and brother-in-law Stan Mode. She is survived by sister Jeanne Marie Mode and many loving relatives and friends. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the exceptional care provided to our dear Betty Jane by the staff at Highland Health and Rehabilitation.

A Vigil Service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 5:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of WA at 1308 Meador Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229 or St. Vincent de Paul at 5950 4th Ave S., Seattle, WA 98108.