"I feel extremely blessed to have known Betty Lou in such a special way over the last dozen years. In ways, she gave me a glimpse into the amazing lives of all of you - her children and grandchildren. She knew how well loved she was! I always admired her, her spirit and her sweetness. She never failed to ask about my daughter and my mom. I will miss my Tuesdays with Betty Lou! You are all in my thoughts and prayers today, and for the weeks to come, as you move through this period of acceptance and grief. With love, Theresa"
In loving memory of
Betty Lou Mcmanus
Betty Lou McManus, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 21, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. Betty Lou was born in Prescott, Arizona on July 26, 1928 to Pearl and W. Randle Bales, the 3rd of 4 children. She was raised in Phoenix, graduated from North High School and in 1946 married Jack Evans McManus, Sr. upon his return from WWII. Together, they had four children. Betty Lou was dedicated to her children and her time as a homemaker endlessly supporting her kids' activities and insisting they gather nightly for amazing home-cooked meals. She was also an avid golfer at Moon Valley Country Club and loved playing bridge with the same group of ladies for almost 50 years. Betty Lou and Jack very much enjoyed traveling extensively with produce industry-related events and with their church family. She was a diehard Phoenix Suns fan and season ticket holder from the team's beginnings and extending 35+ years. Her beautiful white hair often stood out on TV or in photos as her longtime seats were located directly behind the Suns' bench (where she could be sure the players would hear her loud and constant encouragement!) When the Arizona Diamondbacks arrived in town, she added them to her list of favorite activities and gleefully attended every game and activity in their World Series run. Betty Lou is lovingly remembered by her four children, James Douglas McManus and wife, Kimberly, John Francis McManus, Nancy Lynn McManus Bergkamp and husband Cody, and Jack "Jake" Evans McManus, Jr. and wife Beverly; her brother and sister-in-law, W. Randle and Bennie Bales, and a tribe of 4th and 5th generation Phoenix natives, including 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who all still reside in Phoenix. Holidays and Sunday dinners were celebrated with the whole crew in attendance and were always a noisy, rambunctious affair with Betty Lou serving as the matriarch. Her family will always remember Mom and Grama for being a steady rock of support through the trials and tribulations of life. She was beautiful, stylish, amazingly gracious, kind towards all, and had seemingly endless love and compassion for friends and family. She cherished her various kitties and loved surprising friends and family with vases of beautiful roses and gardenias from her garden. And, she would never be seen, let alone photographed, without perfect lipstick! A celebration of life will be held for Betty Lou at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 East Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Betty Lou's love of animals, the family suggests that donations be made to the Arizona Humane Society in her honor at azhumane.org. Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.
Tributes
"To the McManus family with heavy heart, sending you deepest condolences for the loss of your mom, grandmother and great grandmother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Hughes family"
"A "second mom" to many of Jake's friends growing up. You could just feel the love when you entered the house; and it all emanated from her. She exemplified how one should conduct themselves. She'll never be forgotten and will truly blessed in Heaven, as she was here on earth..."
"Jake and the entire family, Betty was a great lady and will remembered as such, she was always so welcoming to friends and made us all feel at home! Ritchie"
"So sorry for your loss. It has been many years since I have seen your mom, but I always enjoyed the times I spent at her house with Nancy and her brothers. Your mom was always so gracious and welcoming to a house full of teenage visitors. Sweet memories of a wonderful lady."
"Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Betty Lou McManus. Betty Lou was a long time friend through First Christian Church and Moon Valley Country Club. She was a lovely, warm and gracious lady and we shared so many good memories of her through the years. She will be spreading her warmth in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim and Donna Cunning"
"To all of Betty Lou's family: My deepest sympathy and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I first met Betty Lou in 1988 when she was the first neighbor to welcome Harley and I to Moon Valley. She was one classy lady. She always had kind words and was a great listener when I would visit with her and tell her my troubles. I will truly miss her and how she always took the time to make me feel better when I needed it. Very giving, gracious and loved her family dearly. I was so lucky to call her my good friend, neighbor and a role model. Rest in peace, Betty Lou. Janet Hein"
"Dear family of sweet Betty Lou. I have such special memories of spending time with Betty Lou over the years. Going to Mexico, basketball and baseball games with she and daughter and family and watching the boys grow and grow. We shared a trip to the Canadian Rockies. She was wonderful to be around and was a gracious,generous friend. My love and shared sadness with you all, her dear family. You all meant the world to her. I will personally miss her very much.. What a wonderful picture of her beautiful face framed by her glorious white hair. I loved her and we always ended our conversations with " I love you". All of you were so devoted to her and she told me many times all that you did for her.Find comfort in the love and care you gave to her. My prayers are with you all. Kathy Ince"