Donna S. Mantey's Obituary
Donna May Scritsmier Mantey, 89 , entered into the eternal presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Elmer M. Mantey; her son-in-law, Barry Rooks; her parents, F. Lorenzo and Alvera Scritsmier; stepmother, Carrie Scritsmier; and three brothers, Theron Allen, Sylvester Scritsmier and Jerome Scritsmier. Donna was born on May 6, 1927 in the small farm town of Bloomer, WI, where she graduated from Bloomer High School in 1945 and received the American Legion Award, given for the qualities of courage, character, service, companionship and scholarship. After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis, MN to attend business college, and it was there that she met her future husband, Elmer Mantey. They were married on December 27, 1948 and lived in Peoria, IL until Elmer completed his studies at Bradley University. They then moved back to Minneapolis and raised their three daughters there, until a job transfer took the family to Memphis in 1969. Donna’s greatest joys were serving her Lord and her family, and she did both to her utmost ability, with great cheerfulness, grace and humility. She and Elmer were very involved with their church home of 35 years, First Evangelical, and there Donna enjoyed warm fellowship as a member of the Women of the Church and various church circles, as well as participating with Elmer in Christian Couples Club and Christian Fellowship Retreats. One great highlight of her life was to serve, along with Elmer, as a counselor for the Billy Graham Crusade when Rev. Graham came to Memphis in 1978. Donna was very active in Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study, as well as Christian Women’s Club, and she also enjoyed leading many Stonecroft home Bible studies over the years. Donna is survived by her daughters Patricia M. Rooks of Memphis; Carol M. Callis and her husband, Dr. Keith Callis, of Charleston, SC; and Cynthia M. Stockdale and her husband, James Stockdale, of Conway, AR; as well as six grandchildren, Dr. Jonathan P. Callis (Amy); Julianne C. Kuhlman (Brendon); Sarah S. Nagel (Todd); Christina S. Howell (Trey); Emily S. Boedeker (Kevin); and Rachel S. Latture (Seth) and 18 great grandchildren. Donna is also survived by two sisters, Alvera Hassemer; Joan Zenner (Jim); three brothers, William Scritsmier; Kay Scritsmier (Eva); Greg Scritsmier (Judy); and her brother-in-law, Paul Mantey (Jane), all of whom she loved dearly. As Donna’s health declined over the last several years, she needed additional help and attention, and her family gratefully thanks the nurses and CNAs at Kirby Pines Manor for their kind and loving care. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the chapel at Memorial Park, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 pm, also in the chapel. Burial will follow immediately after the service in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Missions Fund at First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. Psalm 115:16
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