Obituary of Vera Marjorie Manley, 101

Vera Marjorie Manley, 101 years of age of Millheim, passed peacefully from this life December 27, 2017 at Centre Crest Nursing Home in Bellefonte. She was born in State College June 12, 1916 the third of four daughters to Laura B. Hazlett King and Simon Rote King. Having graduated from Nanticoke High School in 1934, she continued her education at Wilkes Barre Business College, graduating in 1937 with numerous honors. She was employed as a private secretary for the administrator of the Sterling Hotel in Wilkes Barre and later, secretary for both Harlan Wall, Architectural Firm and the Borough Manager of State College.

On November 24, 1945 at Central Methodist Church in Wilkes Barre, she married the love of her life, Adelbert T. “Bert” Manley of New York City, who also passed away on December 27th of 1988. Surviving are Patricia Manley Wolfe of Millheim, Kevin T. Manley (Vicky) of Snow Shoe, Thomas A. Manley (Sharon) of Boalsburg; grandchildren, Laura Manley Kline (Dr. Kurt) of Valley View, Patrick Manley of Lock Haven, Jeffrey Manley of Spring Mills and Jennifer Manley Bair (Josh) of rural Centre Hall; great grandchildren, Owen Bair, Ian Bair and Caroline Kline; nephew, Dennis K. Morgan (Brenda) of Northumberland; second cousin, Cheryl Hontz of Hattiesburg, MS and lastly, very special “grand pup” Bennie. Vera was predeceased by her sisters, Bess Irene King, Irma N. King Davis, and Phyllis L. King Morgan; an infant son and a grandson, Dave Wolfe of Edwards, CO.

Vera was of the Methodist faith and while she and her family lived in Unionville, she was very active in the Methodist Church there by teaching Sunday school, serving on the church council and providing altar flower arrangements for Sunday worship services. For many years she was Unionville’s water rent collector as well as the person who revamped and updated the fee collection system at that time. One early December she and the town’s paper delivery boy, Jerry Fisher, decided that Unionville should have a huge town Christmas tree. As Jerry collected the newspaper’s weekly fees, he also asked his patrons for donations in order to have a Christmas tree for the town. He then passed the sizeable amount to Vera who arranged for a big tree to be set up in the town triangle, a West Penn pole to provide electricity, colored lights for decoration and a carol sing. The practice continued for several years.

Vera was a very kind and caring lady, always dressing beautifully and almost never seen without a necklace and earrings. She was an accomplished seamstress, a flower garden enthusiast and she enjoyed various artistic endeavors. She especially love preparing luncheons at her home for her friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Centre Crest for their kindness as well as Vera’s special Centre Crest roommate friend, Pauline Beightol.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 9:30-11:00 am at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim, followed by the memorial service at 11 am with longtime family friend, Pastor David Walker of Shavertown officiating. Following the service, Vera will be laid to rest in the family plot at Reformed Cemetery in Aaronsburg. Contributions in memory of Vera may be given to Centre County Paws, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.