Dorathea Ellen Manger Obituary (1923 - 2016)

Dorathea Ellen (Covey) Manger Passed away from this life into Eternity on Saturday, June 4, 2016 surrounded by family. Born on September 1, 1923 to Don and Ora (Beman) Covey she spent her life in the Eaton Rapids area. Her great grandparents were some of the first pioneers in Eaton County. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1941. In 1944 she met and married Sgt. Edward Manger weeks before he was shipped overseas. After he was discharged, the two spent time in his native area of New Orleans, LA Gulfport, MS and Miami Beach, FL before returning to Eaton Rapids to raise their family. During her family's growing years, she was a homemaker, scout leader, Sunday School teacher and lovingly cared for her father in their home. She later obtained certification as a Medical Records Technician working at Olin Health Center at MSU where she formed many special friendships, retiring in 1985. Dorathea was a proficient seamstress throughout her entire life. She enjoyed all forms of needlework and was adept at making "something from nothing". Her attitude of contentment and gratitude, outwardly expressed in her ever present beautiful smile, will be forever remembered. She especially loved quilting and was a member of the Island City Piecemakers for many years. Dorathea was also a volunteer for the American Red Cross, and the Eaton Rapids Hospital Auxiliary. After retirement she enjoyed many activities at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, including exercise and painting. She and Eddie never missed an opportunity to travel and especially enjoyed being in the South where she loved spending time with Eddie's extended family. After retiring they were able to spend many winters along the Gulf Coast. She practiced the art of letter-writing and kept a stream of written notes and cards going out to family and friends. As a young woman she expressed her creativity in drawing and watercolors and took up oil painting in later years. She read her Bible daily and was a faithful warrior for family, friends and others whenever she learned of someone in need of prayer. Dorathea was preceded in death by her parents, Edward, her husband of over 56 years and only brother Arthur (Ruth) Covey. Her greatest joy was time spent with her family and that love was exhibited in many ways, as she cherished being a mother and grandmother and great grandmother. Those who will continue to carry her presence with them every day are daughters Ruthanne (Ray) Ovenhouse, Renee Manger and special friend Nick Bellows, son Don (Julie) Manger, grandchildren Carrie (Brad) David, John (Kim) McHugh, Michelle (Robert) Constantino, David (Katherine) Manger, great-grandchildren, Heather (Sean) Cervantes, Danielle Botti-Klein and Fiance Bryant Galbreath, Tyler Klein, Thomas (Breanna) McHugh, Niyah and Carson McHugh, Nicholas and Sienna Rose Constantino and great great-grandson Spencer Cervantes. She is also survived by step-daughter Nanci (Al) Perkins, and her extended family. Dorathea leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins across the country including Mary Ann (Covey) and Kent Bartz of Eaton Rapids. Also friends who became "adopted" family, Dan Watts, Sarah Watson and their children William and Margaret. Dorathea was blessed with an abundance of both new and longtime friendships formed over her lifetime. She also leaves many treasured friends from both the First Congregational Church, where she was a member for many years, and the First Baptist Church where she became a member, attended and worshiped for over 15 years. A celebration of Dorathea's homecoming will be held on Friday, June 10th at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids with Pastor Leo Cumings conducting the service. Family will receive friends at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Thursday between the hours of 1 to 3 PM and at the church 1 hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.