Verna Manar

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Verna Ann Manar, of Neosho, Missouri, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the comfort of her home. She was 83 years old and a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all who knew her.

Verna lived a life full of grace, love, and purpose, exemplifying the values of a Proverbs 31 woman. She was clothed in strength and dignity, and her life was marked by her unwavering faith, wisdom, and kindness. Her hands were always busy in service, whether caring for her family, nurturing her friends, or sharing the love of Christ in her community. She was a woman who did not fear the future, but who trusted in God's provision and His plan.

As a mother, she was the epitome of patience, love, and encouragement. She raised her children with gentle hands and a nurturing heart. She was a constant source of love, support, and inspiration to all who were blessed to be in her life. Besides being a devoted homemaker, she worked as a supervisor in the garment industry as well as a cook at the McDonald County High School.

Her legacy is not only in the lives she touched but in the values she imparted—faith, love, humility, and a relentless devotion to serving others. Verna leaves behind a family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts, knowing that she was a living testament to what it means to live a life of virtue.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy D. Manar; a son Charles Whittington; her parents, Airld “Gus” and Viola Flory; and two brothers, Ronald and Leland Flory.

 

She is survived by her children, Kevin Whittington, Kimberly Musgrave (Cecil), Kristie Putnam and Judith Laningham (Larry); her grandchildren, Steven Putnam (Jessica), Chancellor Banchi (Elizabeth), Audrie Ritter, Mariah Putnam (Dakota), Nathaniel Laningham, Kaitlan Vandergrif, Austin Chambers and Garrett Musgrave; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a brother Carter Flory (Mary); a sister Ila Wise (Herb); as well as host of nieces and nephews and many loving friends who will all miss her deeply. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Verna’s caregiver, Jonae Coleman, for the exceptional care given to Verna during this most difficult time.

Funeral services are 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri with Josh Patrick officiating. Burial will follow at King Cemetery near Neosho, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Kevin Whittington, Steven Putnam, Chancellor Banchi, Nathaniel Laningham, Lee Flory, Jr. and Luther Streight. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.










Verna leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will never be forgotten. May we all strive to live our lives as she did—serving others with grace, wisdom, and an unwavering love for God.