Verla Mae (Phelps) Manning, age 90, transitioned to her heavenly home of natural causes on Thursday, January 7,2021 at the Towner County Living Center located in Cando, ND. Verla is formerly of Hansboro and Rolla, ND.

Verla was born on April 10, 1930 in Rolla, ND to Henry (Hank) and Violet (Stoeser) Phelps. She was raised on the southeast shore of Lake Upsilon located in the Turtle Mts located west of St. John, ND.  A place that was always in her heart. She attended country school in her younger years before attending and graduating from St John High School in 1948. Verla was united in marriage to Virgo S. Manning on December 3, 1948 at the courthouse in Devils Lake, ND.  From that union six children were born and raised in the Christian faith.

Verla spent the majority of her life on the family farm located six miles east of Hansboro until they retired into Rolla in 2004. Six children were raised in the farm life that Verla was a huge part of. Verla milked the cows and kept the chickens and pigs fed. There were always dogs and cats that she would have as her companions as she did the daily chores. They also raised small grains and had hay crops to harvest every year. Verla was the best caretaker of the farm. She was a good cook and baker so she always had the best meals to take out to the field for the harvest crew during the fall harvest.

Verla loved the outdoors so naturally she had a large garden to attend to. She would do her own canning at the end of the produce season which the family enjoyed during the winter months. She was a true animal lover her whole life and always had a cat companion in her house.

Verla had a natural beauty and never wore make up besides lipstick and her smile was such a compliment to that look. She aged beautifully. She loved to attend any type of family gathering that was held in St. John. She loved her extended family and had the best time socializing with them. And as she aged, they became more important to her.

Verla was a quieter person but did enjoy visiting with friends and family whenever they were around or on the street corner or at the grocery store. She loved having the grandchildren around and spoiling them but wasn't afraid to use the fly swatter on the bottom when they would get a little unruly!! She enjoyed attending the school events of her children and grandchildren especially the music concerts. They were a highlight for her and made her feel proud as she liked music and dancing. She was a doll collector and enjoyed it when she could talk about her dolls to a visitor.

Verla was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Rolla and the VFW Auxiliary of Rock Lake. Verla and Virgo attended numerous Legion conventions that were held at different cities in North Dakota and the United States. Verla wasn't a big traveling fan as she was a home body but did enjoy the traveling that they did. Verla was a member of the United Methodist Church of Hansboro and later transferred to Rolla after the Hansboro church closed. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women's group. She was on the church board and a trustee. Verla was the clerk for the Sidney Township board for numerous years. The Hansboro ladies of the community had a group called the A.C. Club to which she was a member and enjoyed monthly meetings and socializing. She was one of the last members.

Verla will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her family and many friends in the community,

Verla is survived by her children; Gloria Covert of Rock Lake, Darrel (Rose) Manning of Rock Lake, Kevin Manning of St. John, Karen (Earl) Fahrnkopf of Williston and Janet (Russ) Lund of Rolla. She also leaves seventeen grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren and one more on the way.

Verla was preceded in death by her parents, Hank and Violet Phelps, husband, Virgo Manning, son Neill Manning. Also, her siblings, Thomas, Harold and Curt Phelps and sister Marion Coder. Sisters/Brothers in law, May (Manning) and Bill Winskill, Bernadette (Manning) and Tom Kitsch. Verla was the last member of her family to transfer to angel status.

A visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND. A prayer service will be held at 7:00pm.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Rolla, ND, visitation One Hour prior to services in the church. Burial will follow the service at the Hansboro Cemetery, Hansboro, ND. A lunch will be served at the Legion Cabin in Rolla immediately following funeral services and before burial at the cemetery.  Pallbearers for the service will be Devin Covert, Tyson Covert, Luke Manning, Scott Bryant, Guy Garrison and Billy Mathiason.

**Funeral Services will be live streamed through the Facebook page of the Rolla and St. John Presbyterian Church.**

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.