Shirley A. Manning, 87, of Polo, passed away Thursday, Dec. 09, 2021, at Polo Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Shirley was born Sept. 05, 1934, in Sterling, the daughter of Hector and Mabel Partridge. She married Mr. Lyle P. Manning on August 22, 1959 in Polo.
Shirley was a farm girl growing up before she attended Polo schools and then went on to nurses training in Freeport, Il. According to Shirley, during nursing school, she and a classmate lived in the same building as Spencer Tracy’s mother, so the story goes.
As a farm girl she remembered having German POWs working the farm, as many farmers did, and was curious to see them but wasn’t allowed. It was forbidden by her mother whose parents ironically were from Germany as most other families were in Illinois at the time.
After college she worked as an OR nurse at Cook County hospital where as a young women saw many things. After Cook county she worked locally at the State School for the handicapped in Dixon, Il and then on to KSB before finally settling at Sinnissippi Centers in Dixon. She and Lyle were faithful members of the St. Mary Catholic Church in Polo.
She enjoyed having a good time with her martoonie sisters, even though she wouldn’t admit it, and playing bridge with her friends. She and Lyle also made several trips to California to visit their daughter-in-law Jean and son Craig. During one big trip we all went to Arizona, going from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon.
As friends and family, that knew her well, will attest to the fact that Shirley went above and beyond to do things for other people without asking for anything in return.
If it sounds like I’m tooting my mothers horn, I am. Lyle and I were very lucky to have her along with daughter-in-law Jean who did for the last 27 years.
Survivors include son Craig (Jeannie) Manning of California.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle; brother James Partridge.
A graveside service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Polo on June 23rd, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Honoring Shirley’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
