Margaret Ann Manning

Margaret Ann Manning (nee Bills) passed into her eternal reward on October 14th 2023 in Columbia MO with both of her sons in her attendance. Margaret was born June 3, 1933, in Salisbury Missouri into the loving home of Elmer Bills Sr. and Johnnie Bills.

Margaret’s parents, Elmer Sr and Jonhnie, were well known respected business owners and operated a number of movie theatres and other small businesses in Missouri at that time. Margaret was the first born of the children and had a brother Elmer Bills Jr (deceased), and sister Donna Beth Bills (Rein). All the children were raised working in the family movie business during their younger years. Margaret would talk about working at the drive-in theater and popping popcorn and running the concession area while in high school. Her favorite movie of all time was Gone with the Wind.

After high school Margaret attended Stephens College in Columbia MO for two years and then transferred to the University of Missouri earning a degree in Education. Margaret moved to Kansas City where she taught school in the North Kansas City district. During her time in Kansas City, she met the love of her life, Dr. Roy D. Manning, at a dance. They married on June 26th, 1959. Dr. And Mrs. Manning enjoyed their love of dancing throughout 59 years of a wonderful loving marriage.

Roy and Margaret moved to Columbia in 1959 where they decided to settle and start his dental practice of 53 years. Margaret was extremely involved with a number of organizations foremost as a member of the Margaret Hart Circle of Kings Daughters and Sons for over 50 years. Margaret’s husband, Dr. Manning, participated as a dentist for the Kings Daughters and Sons Dental Aid program in Columbia. Margaret and Dr. Manning enjoyed a very active social life in Columbia with friends at the Columbia Country Club. They also started a club with a number of couples called the Supper Club which lasted for many fun years of interesting dinners and locations. Margaret enjoyed spending time with her family at Lake of the Ozarks starting back in the mid 1960’s cruising the lake, coving out with friends, water skiing and becoming a true boater. Margaret and Dr. Manning continued going to Lake of the Ozarks and enjoyed the company of many of their good friends and family up into their late 80’s. Margaret was an extremely outgoing person and was always sure to make new and good friends everywhere she went over the years.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Roy D. Manning in 2019 and her daughter Martha Ann Manning 2023 both of Columbia MO. Margaret is survived by her sons Roy F. Manning III (Karen) Gladstone, MO and John S. Manning (Louanne Gonzales) of Overland Park, KS, Grandchildren Michael W. Manning, Kathryn Grace Manning, and Conner Scott Manning.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 with a funeral service to follow in the McMurry Chapel at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kings Daughters and Sons.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Manning family.