Daisy Lou Manning
August 29, 1917 – December 28, 2012

Daisy Lou (Nicholson) Manning died on December 28, 2012 at Kirksville Manor Care Center in Kirksville, Missouri. Daisy was born on August 29, 1917 to the parents of Clarence and Stella (Snowbarger) Nicholson in rural Downing, Missouri. Daisy had a younger brother, Leroy (Chub) Nicholson, who she adored.

Daisy's father was musically gifted playing violin, banjo and piano for barn dances throughout the area. He taught Daisy to accompany the band on the piano. Playing the piano brought her joy and she continued to play throughout her lifetime.

Daisy graduated as class valedictorian from Downing High School and went on to Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman University) in Kirksville, Missouri. She reached her goal of becoming a teacher in a "one-room" schoolhouse. Many of her students contacted her later in their life to thank her for her care and her sharing of knowledge.

Daisy married William Floyd Manning on April 27, 1939 in Lancaster, Missouri. In those times, you could not be married and teach school. So Daisy turned her teaching interests to various Sunday school classes and Bible school at the Lancaster Christian Church and 4-H.

Daisy and Floyd owned and operated the IGA Grocery Store in Lancaster, Missouri for 38 years. After selling the store, they missed the interaction with people and opened a rummage / turn around store where they purchased items from auctions to resell in their shop. After 12 years, they retired from retail for good.

Daisy and Floyd had two daughters, Linda and Carol Manning. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in April 2011. Floyd passed away in July of 2011, just shy of his 95th birthday. Daisy celebrated her 95th birthday in August 2012 and even with advanced dementia was able to sing songs and recite Bible verses. She fell and broke her hip in September 2012, which accelerated her struggle with Alzheimer / Dementia.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Daisy is survived by their two daughters, Linda Manning of Bettendorf, Iowa and Carol Manning and her husband Fred Mummert of Centennial, Colorado and nieces Sharon McClurg, Judy Mulvaney and Donna Jackson, Marguerite Moore, Rita Crane, Geraldine Rowland, Shirley Ann Price, and Norma Lee Grimsley.

Daisy's optimistic attitude, her straightforward manner and her striving to make a positive difference to others have inspired many people. She will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Norman's Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri on January 8, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Carol Davenport, Hospice Chaplain officiating. Music will be provided by Margie Tippett, Cole Tippett and Margaret Ann Satterwhite. Burial was in the Arni Memorial Cemetery in Lancaster, Missouri.