Wilda Jane Manson

Wilda (Bo) Manson of Banning, CA went to be with the Lord while surrounded by her family on August 23, 2016 following her sudden onset and brief battle with congestive heart failure and COPD. Bo was independent, maintained her driver’s license, managed her household, and cared for her husband through July 2016.

Bo was born to Harold and Gladys Weaver Wears on June 11, 1933 in Columbus, OH; she was the 5th child of 12 born to Harold and Gladys. She met her husband Richard (Dick) Ross Manson of Lancaster, OH at the Ohio State Fair and they were married February 13, 1950. Dick and Bo celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary together before her passing.

Bo and Dick relocated to southern CA in 1962. Shortly after relocating to CA she began her career at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing in Long Beach, CA as a Key-Punch Operator. In the 1960’s few women worked outside the home but she established a fascinating career in the aerospace industry during the birth of computers while lovingly raising her three children. Her career as computer specialist progressed as technology rapidly advanced. During her long career at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing a variety of cutting edge aerospace projects were undertaken including the F-15 Eagle, Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles, Delta II rockets, Apache attack helicopters, manned spacecraft, Big Gemini, Skylab space station, Skylab B as well as commercial aircraft. She retired from McDonnel Douglas/Boeing in April 1993.

She is survived by her husband and three children; Dan Manson, Tom Manson, and Teresa Manson Beck, 7 grandchildren; Lori Manson Preuss, Eric Manson, Deniell Manson Jones, Brook Manson Murphy, Marvin Manson, Tina Manson Gibbs, and Cindy Manson Estacio, 14 great grandchildren; Michael Manson, Mitchell Manson, Connor Preuss, Jared Preuss, Nathaniel Preuss, Colby Gibbs, Caleb Gibbs, Tyler Jones, Tanner Jones, Kiana Estacio, Kyle Estacio, Evan Renwich, Shea Baker, 3 great-great grandchildren; Roxanne Turpin, Blake Arganda, and Kaya Arganda.

A celebration of Bo’s life will be held at the Sun Lakes South Club House in Banning, CA at 2 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2016. Bo was devoted to Christ and her Minister, Jack Finley of Banning Church of Christ will provide a brief message followed by the celebration/memorial service/social event with all of her family and friends will follow his message.

Bo was an intelligent woman with a great sense of humor, as well as a pace setter. She will be greatly missed by all family members and the numerous friends who deeply loved her.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.