Frances Marian Hein Manke

Frances M. Manke (94), passed away June 4, 2016 at Claire Bridge (Brookdale Assisted Living) in Spokane, Washington. Frances and her twin sister, Virginia, were born in Ritzville, Washington on March 19, 1922 to Conrad and Katie (Becker) Hein. She attended Odessa, Ritzville and Harrington grade schools and graduated from Harrington High School in 1941. Frances married Harold Manke on November 19, 1944. Together they raised two sons, Howard and Tom. Harold and Fran farmed the Manke ranch south of Harrington for 35 years. Fran was a “true” farmers wife... she could drive a tractor, punch header on a John Deere 36B combine and drive wheat truck, while also fixing large breakfasts, lunch and dinner for the harvest crew! Harold’s health was not good during those early years, so some winters were spent in Phoenix, Arizona. As the boys grew older and became more involved in school activities (mainly sports), Harold and Fran stayed in Harrington to watch their sons. They attended most, if not all, of their sons games. An annual event was to reserve a motel for a week to attend the Boys State “B” Basketball tournament in Spokane. They did not miss a game for 35 straight years. In 1966, Harold and Fran purchased a lot at Cayuse Cove on the Spokane River north of Davenport, Washington. Both of them relished those years at the “cabin”. Fran was the “camp director”, which entitled her to direct/boss everyone’s day and activities. Fran enjoyed playing card games, belonging to different women’s groups that played Bridge, Pinochle, and Canasta. During her past ten years she loved playing “Bingo” twice a week at Brookdale (Formerly Harbor Crest) Assisted Living. She won often and got free coupons which she relished to share with family and friends to have meals with her at her facility. Fran made many good friends at her assisted living and so appreciated all the loving, helpful staff. Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Katie Hein, her husband of 65 years, Harold, a sister Florence Norby and a brother, Virgil Hein. Frances is survived by her twin sister, Virginia Wheeler Higby of Auburn, Washington; sister-in-law, Erma Colyar of Spokane, Washington, sister-in-law Ester Hein of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two sons, Howard (Patti) Manke of Davenport, Washington and Tom (Cherie) Manke of Mossyrock, Washington; Seven grandchildren, Andy (Brandy) Manke of Reardan, Washington, Tara (David) Smith of Rochester, Washington, Brad (Kate) Manke of Colville, Washington, Leslie (Joe) Lukas of Ennis, Montana, Kim (Matt) Hartley of Tumwater, Washington, Krista Manke of Lacey, Washington, Kendra (James) Willingham of Lacey, Washington, and a granddaughter-in-law Missy Manke of Connell, Washington, Zachary and Tristian. Fran also has 13 great-grandchildren: Colton, Jarrett, Henry, Jacklyn, Dylan, Kelsi, Sheydan, Jensyn, Hunter, Jaymason, Jaden, Kristin, and Tyler and two great-great grandsons, Gage and Knox along with several nieces and nephews. Fran will be greatly missed by our families. There will be a private graveside service at Hillcrest in Harrington, Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Harrington Alumni Association: P.O. Box 51, Harrington, Washington 99134; Hillcrest Cemetery: P.O. Box 492, Harrington, Washington 99134; Hospice of Spokane: 121 S. Arthur Street/P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, Washington 99210-2215 or a charity of your choosing. Please sign Fran’s online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, Washington is caring for the family.