Elsa Mae (Williams) Manes was born March 23, 1927 near Aurora Missouri to Herbert and Jewell Glen Williams.  She was the 5th of 13 children.  After graduating from Aurora High School, Elsa attended Springfield Baptist Hospital’s School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1950.  Also in 1950 she married the love of her life, Herman Manes.  Herman was a Southern Baptist Minister.  Elsa was a strong Christian lady, and attended whatever church Herman was pastoring.  Together they raised 3 children, spending 52+ years together until Herman passed in 2002.

Elsa enjoyed a 40+ year career, working at Springfield Baptist Hospital, Smith-Glynn-Callaway Clinic, and Lily Tulip.  After retirement, she and Herman worked on their daughters farm near Willard.  Elsa was an active gardener, both canning vegetables and filling her yard with beautiful flowers.  She sewed, creating clothes for her children and grandchildren.  Elsa cooked, baking exceptionally good breads and buns.  After Herman’s death, Elsa continued living in the family home, remaining fiercely independent until her own life ended due to a stroke 16 days before her 94th birthday.

Elsa was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herman, and 6 siblings:  Margerie, Harold, Darlene, Gene, Tom, and Roy.  She is survived by her children Mike, Cheryl, and Marcia, Marcia’s husband Steve, Marcia and Steve’s children Nathan and Ashley, and Ashley’s husband Cody.  Elsa is also survived by 6 siblings:  Willodean, Charlie, Rebekah, Evalina, Martin, and Glenna.

Elsa’s family thank Dr. JT Rogers for his care throughout the years, and the nursing staff on 5B at Mercy Hospital for their compassionate care of Elsa in her last week and also her Hospitalist physician Dr. MJ. 

Public visitation will be Tuesday, March 9 from 6-8 pm. Due to Covid concerns no immediate family members will be present at the public visitation.