FREDERICKTOWN — Bethanne “Beth” McManus, 64, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 6, 2021, surrounded by family in her home in St. George, Utah.
Beth was born on July 3, 1956, at Mercy Hospital in Mount Vernon to Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Bert Jones (Phyllis Arleen). She married the love of her life, Paul Thomas McManus, on April 7, 1990, at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Granville.
Growing up in Fredericktown, Beth enjoyed being a member of the Freddie Marching Band and the cheerleading squad. After graduating from FHS in 1974, she enjoyed a career in office management, culminating in 25 years with Wachtel and McAnally Architects. She was a loyal, dedicated and honest employee who took great pride in her impeccable PNL statements. She retired on June 25, 2020, and relocated to St. George, Utah. Beth was a proud member of the Catholic Church and was active in the St. Francis de Sales parish in Newark.
Mom valued her family above all things throughout her life. From her own children and on to her grandchildren, she could be found in the stands supporting their sports, plays, music recitals or any other adventure they deemed worthwhile. Sunday dinners or a cookout were a weekly event, along with the additional roundtable discussions over coffee. She loved traveling to family weddings with her sisters; concerts with family and friends; and many, many different hair styles.
Beth was a second mom not only to her children’s spouses, but also their friends throughout her life. She was always available to offer a comforting bit of advice, understanding or to just listen. Her kindness allowed her to befriend many from all walks of life. She never missed an opportunity to “bust a move” on the dance floor, or while washing the dishes for that matter. In her younger days, she threw some mean frames in her bowling league and loved to tickle the ivories on the piano. Christmas was always her favorite holiday, and she would transform her home into a winter wonderland for her grandchildren each year. Beth spent many evenings on her porch swing watching the wildlife and single-handedly keeping Maxwell House Coffee in business.
She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Paul Thomas McManus; her daughter, Heather (Randy) Jones of St. George, Utah; her son, Jason (Valarie) Boucher of Newark; her ten wonderful grandchildren, Jamie Jones, Christopher Boucher, Nathan Jones, Jacob (Mariah) Smith, Jessica (Michael) Elzinga, Madalyn Boucher, Ashley Harkless, Bethany (Talbot) McLaws, Lily Jones and Stella Boucher; as well as her two amazing great-grandchildren, Alice Smith and Lyla Smith. She is also survived by her sisters, Debbie (Phil) McNally of McArthur, and Connie (Jim) Carpenter of Fredericktown.
Beth was preceded in death by her father, Ramon “Buck” Jones; her mother, Phyllis Arleen Jones; and her beloved son, Trever Boucher.
Calling hours will be held at the Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive in Newark, from 4–7 p.m. on Friday, May 21. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, with Fr. David Sizemore as Celebrant. A celebration of life luncheon will follow directly after Mass from noon to 2 p.m. at the Lamy Center, located directly between the church and the school buildings.
Reed-Egan Funeral Home, 141 Green Wave Drive in Newark, is assisting the family with arrangements. To share your memory of Beth or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.
