Published on January 4, 2026 6:45 pm
Last Updated on January 4, 2026 6:46 pm
Mary Arlene McManaway, 102, of Cowden, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at Pana Health and Rehabilitation.
She was born on May 5, 1923, in Moccasin, the daughter of John and Lamina (Doty) Dial. She grew up surrounded by the love and camaraderie of ten siblings, whose memories she held close to her heart as the last surviving member of her family’s generation.
On September 29, 1946, Mary’s life was beautifully entwined with that of Leslie Kenneth McManaway. Together, they embarked on a journey of love, partnership, and mutual respect that lasted 47 years until Leslie’s passing in 1993. Their union was blessed with the joys of parenthood, as they raised their children Gary McManaway and wife Pamela of Shelbyville, Marsha McManaway and husband Joe Wood of Cowden, and Carla McManaway and husband Paul Kujawa of Longmont, Colorado. Mary’s legacy further blossomed with the arrival of her five grandsons, Deck, Ben, Kenny, Andrew, and Jack, and her adored five great-grandchildren, Vanessa, Brayden, Carson, Grant, and Reece.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, her infant daughter Linda Lou and her 10 siblings.
As a homemaker and farm wife, Mary’s hands were rarely still. She was known for her wonderful cooking, often found cooking for her family and the farmhands. Her love for family gatherings was infectious, and she was frequently at the heart of organizing these cherished events. Mary aged with the grace and elegance of the fine wine she enjoyed, her spirit and vitality remaining undiminished through the years. Mary’s life was not without its challenges, but she met them with unwavering courage. She was one of the last survivors of the Effingham Hospital fire of 1949, a testament to her remarkable strength and fortitude. This event, like many others, only served to deepen her appreciation for the gift of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Throughout her life, Mary’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. Her dedication to her family, her passion for cooking, and her love for the simple pleasures in life painted the picture of a well-lived life. She will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her warm hospitality, and her ability to bring people together.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mound Cemetery in rural Cowden, with Mary Hovis officiating. Memorials in Mary’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and may be mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565. Family and friends are invited to share a story or light a candle at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.