Obituary: Ruth Elizabeth McManus

Ruth Elizabeth McManus of Prescott, Ariz., passed away on March 26, 2008. She was born on Nov. 21, 1912, to Mary E. and Elijah J. Flumerfelt on their cotton ranch in Tempe, Ariz. Mary was a Prescott pioneer and is so acknowledged in the Rose Garden at Sharlot Hall Museum.

In 1930, Ruth met and married Hugh Carroll McManus while both were employed by the Salt River Valley Water Users Association. Hugh passed away in 1989.

Ruth leaves her daughter Carol Henderson of Prescott; a son, Larry McManus, of Temecula, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Kathy Boyd, Bruce Henderson and Alison Hernandez, Kelly, Shawna, Jeff, Chris; three great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ruth in death also were son Barry McManus (Larry's twin) and great-grandson Ryan M. Boyd.

Ruth and Hugh moved from Arizona to California in 1938 and eagerly returned to Cordes Lakes, Ariz., in 1974. After Hugh died, Ruth moved to Prescott in 1996 to be near her daughter and son-in-law.

From 1996 to 2007, Ruth lived across the street from Washington Traditional School, where years earlier she had attended 7th grade. Close-by was the historic home on Pleasant Street that had been constructed in the late 1800s early 1900s for her mother Mary and her then husband Alfred Averyt.

Locating Ruth's home was never difficult. The brightest flower garden and/or potted plants always set it apart. When she wasn't working in her yard, she could be found playing SkipBo, or making afghans and quilts. She could identify most flowers and trees by name.

Ruth stayed current with civic affairs and events of the day. In 2002, she attended a political rally on the grounds of the Prescott Courthouse where she had played years before. The political hopefuls paid particular attention to this 90-year-old, wheelchair-bound, bundled against the cold, and enthusiastic participant in the event. Each candidate greeted her.

Interestingly, one of the most attentive of the candidates, Senator John McCain, is now a contender for the presidency of the United States.

As a young adult, Ruth learned to drive a car in Jerome, a feat that equipped her to be very competent behind the wheel.

When questioned several months ago as to what one piece of advice she would leave with her family, she replied, "Get as close to God as you can, no matter where you are."

Ruth's wise counsel served her family well into her 95th year, blessing them as a result. Ruth's gentle spirit, loving kindness and selflessness, and her ability to find good in other people - and, likewise, their love and respect for her - are qualities that will be greatly missed, but the family rejoices in the fact that she is now resting in the arms of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Information provided by survivors.