CENTER GROVE AREA
Arthella Manning, Center Grove Area, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. She was 93 years old. Arthella was born in Southport, IN to her parents Herman and Julia Johnson. She graduated from Southport High School, class of 1948. Arthella married her husband, Ralph Manning, on March 25, 1950 and they shared over 50 years of marriage together until Ralph passed away on May 1, 2000.
Arthella worked as an executive secretary for Indiana Bell for many years and retired in the late 1970s. Later, Arthella volunteered in the early 1980s for Community South Hospital in customer information.. Arthella’s son, Steve, was involved with the Center Grove High School Marching Band which prompted Arthella to get involved with the Center Grove music program as a “band parent”. Arthella loyally served the music program as the music secretary for Center Grove into her early 70s. She loved attending band camps and band competitions and supporting the students with love and team meals. Arthella was instrumental in raising money to support the scholarship program for the Indiana High School Color Guard Association. She and her son, Steve, were recipients of the Guardian Award from the IHSCGA for their efforts. For her many years of service to Center Grove Band, Arthella was named a member of the first Center Grove Marching Band Hall of Fame.
Arthella loved attending music concerts and events all around the country. She enjoyed traveling nationally and internationally alongside her beloved band family and friends. Arthella was also a large supporter of IU basketball as well as the Indianapolis Colts. Arthella’s organized nature and put together personality will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind.
Arthella is survived by a number of nieces and nephews; family friends, Thomas and Connie Dirks.
Arthella is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Manning; her son, Steven Manning; her brothers, Ray and Alvin Johnson.
A visitation for Arthella will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 2:00 pm.
For those choosing to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests that donations be sent to IHSCGA in care of Arthella and Steven Manning Scholarship Fund (Attn: Kim Wilhoit, 8308 W Lincolnshire Drive Yorktown IN 47396 ) or the Center Grove Trojan Band Boosters (P O Box 1161 Greenwood 46142).
