Jo Ann Manning

Jo Ann Manning, age 80 of Vandalia, previously of Greenwood, IN, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2018. She was born in Sullivan, IN to the late Dorothy and Robert Mardis. Jo Ann attended Indiana University where she earned a degree. She went on to become a teaching assistant for many years at Rise Learning Center and Gateway Learning Center. Jo Ann had a passion for helping others and dedicated most of her career to teaching those with special needs. Jo Ann married her high school sweet heart, Robert Manning in 1958. They had five children together.

In her free time, Jo Ann was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. She loved to spend time outdoors and with her family. She took great pride and joy in her children and grandchildren, who fondly called her "Blue Mommy". Jo Ann was a caring, compassionate, and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Jo Ann was preceded in death by children, Barbara, Steven, and Matthew; and brother, Robert C. Mardis.

Jo Ann leaves to cherish her memory, husband of 60 years, Robert E. Manning; children, Mark (Kim) Manning, Laura (Greg) Franklin, Mike (Donna) Manning, and Cindy Manning-Ketchum; daughter-in-law, Lou Ann Berry; 9 grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held for Jo Ann at a later date.