Verla’s mother died in 1946 and her father in 1947, leaving her to be raised by her half-sister, Hazel Petersen. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Orem, Utah. She married Neil Harry Manning on 3 June 1953 in the Manti Utah Temple. They raised three children together and were married for 59 years before he passed away in 2012.

Verla was active in local service and social clubs in Utah County, and she was an accomplished bowler and golfer. She and Neil were devoted BYU Cougar fans and attended most home football games and many bowl games until age made watching on TV preferable.

Verla began working at Lehi State Bank (later Deseret Bank) as a teller, but her skills with typing and shorthand allowed her to work as the secretary to the bank president. Her experience and dedication to the bank led to other promotions until she became a branch manager for the last several years of her career.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Verla served in various positions in her ward and at the temple. She and Neil served a Church mission together in Detroit, Michigan, from 1998-1999. They volunteered for some years after that at the Church’s Employment Services office in American Fork, Utah.

On retirement, she enjoyed more time for her hobbies and being with her children and grandchildren. Her family meant everything to her and she was happiest with them. When any of the grandkids needed a place to live, they were welcome at her home for however long. Her home was a place of peace and she was the anchor in their storm. She will be deeply missed.

Verla loved to plant flowers in her garden and was careful to tend every flowerbed around the house well into her 80s. She and Neil enjoyed travel, including to Europe, China, and Taiwan but also all around the United States. As ardent supporters of the American Fork High School Marching Band, they never missed a competition while their granddaughters were involved, traveling and volunteering everywhere from California to Indiana. Locally, they loved exploring the hills and mountains on their ATVs, often with grandkids along for the adventure.

Verla was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings (Olive Mohlman, Lillian Prince, Emma Burr, William Terry, Hazel Petersen, and Merle Halladay). She is survived by her three children, David Manning, Susan (Brian) Sims, and Kevin (Christine) Manning; eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Her beloved dog, Kalel, died in 2021.

A viewing will be held January 3, 6:00-8:00pm, at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, Utah. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on January 4, 2023, at the American Fork 8th Ward, 320 N. 100 E., American Fork, Utah. Interment to follow at Lehi Cemetery.