Edna M. Mcmanus

Edna Mae (Shaffer) McManus Dennis, KS

October 8, 1938 – September 24, 2022

Passed away peacefully at home with family at her side after battling kidney failure.

In Edna's words, "She was born – she died – and she did some things in-between."

In our words: Edna was born October 8, 1938 on a farm west of McCune, KS to Frank and Elsie Mae (Aronhalt) Shaffer. Siblings include Jack L Shaffer, Sam L Shaffer, and little brother Charles E Shaffer. When Edna was born Jack and Sam told their mom they wanted a brother and to send her back. Elsie kept her.

Edna attended Catalpa Grade School in Neosho County and Globe Grade School in Labette County. Graduating from Labette County Community High School class of 1956. She continued her education and graduated from Labette Community College class of 1985 Magna Cum Laude with an Associate's degree in Business. She was awarded the Outstanding Student Service Award.

Married Ivan Whetstone in June 1956; they resided in Germany 1959 thru 1962 while Ivan served in the United States Army.  A son, Earl L Whetstone was born at Neubrucke Army Base May 7, 1962. Tragically Earl was murdered in Parsons, KS August 24, 1994.

After returning to the states they lived in Tacoma, WA; Kansas City, MO; and returned to Parsons, KS in 1969.

Edna divorced Ivan in June 1973

Always dedicated to family, friends, and working hard, Edna worked for HD Lee Company in Cherryvale, KS trimming jeans; as a Stenographer at Parsons Welfare office prior to leaving the states for Germany; after returning worked for United Insurance Company in KC, MO as a typist/rate clerk; and started work for Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons in 1969. She held clerical, accounting, and bookkeeping positions retiring January 2, 2001 with a full 30 years at KAAP.

Edna married Chuck McManus in Feb 1993, but sadly only shared a collective of 10 happy years together. Chuck passed away unexpectedly in June 1995.

She proudly represented the Service Employees Union as the Parsons Chairperson and State Executive Board Vice-President. She was also a member of the Elks Lodge #517 where she served the board and attended conventions; and was lifetime member of the Brown-Bishop VFW Auxiliary.

Throughout her lifetime she cherished reading, tending to outside critters (domestic and wild), and spending time with friends. She swapped books, stories, casino trips, colorful conversations and other adventures with her best friend Linda Turner. She cherished the opportunity to watch Linda's son Seth grow. She loved him as a son.

Edna painted when younger, and was a very skilled crocheter/ knitter. She spent much of her retirement years making knitted lap blankets. Later in life she joined the CORE and became fast friends with a group labeled the Poole Buddies. They added enjoyment with splash sessions, luncheons, conversations, and occasional casino trips.

Her family cherished each moment they had with her. She was a strong, independent individual that knew what she wanted. When Edna said something, she stuck to her convictions and stood by her word. Her humor plus quick wit will never be forgotten. Many little sayings will be repeated by those left that loved her most. She spent many of her years taking care of her mother and her younger brother. She was deeply valued by family for her time and care. Family was important to her.

Preceded in death by her father Frank Shaffer (8/14/1899-4/18/1966); son Earl Whetstone (5/7/1962-8/24/1994); husband Chuck McManus (8/14/1941-6/5/1995); sister-n-law Julia J Shaffer 11/17/1942-7/23/2006; mother Elsie M Shaffer (4/21/1910-3/20/2007); brother Charles E Shaffer (5/13/1942-12/11/2016); brother Jack L Shaffer (3/6/1931-4/26/2017); best friend Linda Turner (12/10/1949-8/9/2018); and brother Sam L Shaffer (7/26/1933-12/22/2020).

Survived by her niece Cindy E-Shaffer Lane (husband) John M Lane, great Nieces/Nephews: Amanda D Bolinger; Michael D Bolinger; Jonathan Shaffer; Jamie (Shaffer) Compton; Jonathan Ghering; Samantha Ghering; sister-n-law Dixie Shaffer; and beloved fur baby GiGi.

The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in rural Dennis, KS, with Pastor Travis Ball of First Baptist Church of Parsons officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Proud Animals Lovers Shelter or to Brown- Bishop VFW Post 704.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.