Lucile Manus

Lucile Elizabeth Manus was born on May 21, 1917 at Bertha, MN to Diedrich J. and Clara A. (Steffler) Manus. She graduated from Bertha High School and attended St. Cloud Teachers College. Lucile returned to teach in the area rural schools for nine years. She spent the next 30 years teaching in the Hewitt and Bertha schools and enjoyed the opportunities to teach not only her students, but also many of their children. She continued her own education in administration earning a bachelors degree in 1959 and became the Hewitt principal in addition to teaching the 6th grade. She was honored as the first Teacher of the Year selected by the combined Bertha-Hewitt PTA. She considered teaching the children of Bertha and Hewitt as the greatest way she could serve her community. But her service did not stop there. Lucile was very active as a member of the Church of the Nazarene. She was the organist for many years and loved to harmonize with family and friends. She also taught Sunday School and Bible School since she was 15 years old until she moved to Kelliher, MN with her friends Charles and Jean Chaffin in 1998. During summer breaks, she and her sister would travel around Minnesota and the neighboring states offering their talents and faith as Bible Camp presenters. Lucile was a well read person and, according to an article in the Bertha herald, enjoyed creating one of the largest private libraries in the area with her sister Evelyn. She also enjoyed flowers and playing games with her friends. Her love for Christ and Christian life showed through her desire to serve others. Lucile passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids with her friends by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents D.J. and Clara and sisters Evelyn and Gladys. She is survived by her friends and caretakers, Charles and Jean Chaffin and their families as well as many, many other friends. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene in Hewitt with Rev. Charles Chaffin and Rev. Johannes Marsland presiding. Honorary Pallbearers are the Chaffin Family grandchildren. Pallbearers are Ken Chaffin, Dave Chaffin, Jeff Chaffin, Richard Anderson, Todd Orr, Terry Peterson, Ray Mayers and Larry Shultz. Interment will be in the Zion Cemetery at Bertha.

Lucile Manus

May 21, 1917 - February 8, 2007