Eunice Marie Manning

Eunice was born in Paonia, Colorado. Some of her fondest memories were of her younger childhood years growing up there. She enjoyed playing in the orchard fields, and in the creeks and ponds near her home where she would ice skate in the wintertime and catch frogs and pick cattails (coloring and then twisting them) in the summertime. She treasured her country life and the special memories of family time such as the delicious venison meals prepared by and enjoyed at her Grandma Coffey's home where all the family would gather every Christmas season. She also loved the community events; was part of the 4-H Club, loved to square dance, enjoyed the gatherings at the big bonfires while sledding, and attending the small country school where she loved to roller skate in the basement and where they would wrap the maypole on May Day.

After the passing of her father Leo Minerich at the early age of 28, Eunice and her mother Purle, brother Donald, and sister Kathleen moved to Pueblo, Colorado where Eunice finished her Junior High and High School education, married and had her two daughters, Kimberly Conti and Deanna Ruschioni. Her daughters brought her the blessings of five grandchildren: Cheney, Tonya, Joshua, Tahlia, and Savannah. Her family grew from there adding numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Family, and their happiness and well-being, was the most important thing to her.

Adding to the joy in her life was Eunice's longtime companion John, whom she spent over 36 years of devoted love and much laughter with. They seemed to bond so naturally because of their similar country and family value upbringings. They loved to camp, hunt for turkey and pheasants, and skidoo in the wintertime.

The majority of Eunice's working career was in electronics, building PC circuit boards used in spacecraft.

Eunice will forever be remembered as a genuinely loving and caring person. A strong woman who persevered during challenging times and kept the faith in her Lord Jesus throughout her life. The joy she brought to her family and friends will live on forever in their lives. We miss you dearly on this side of heaven; and look forward to the day when our Lord and Savior reunites us in His Heavenly Realm!

Eunice is preceded in death by her loving parents Leo Minerich and Purle Tompkins (Minerich/Coffey); brother Donald Minerich, sister Kathleen Minerich, her loving companion John Smith, and many other beloved family and friends.

Eunice's loved ones remaining are her daughters Kimberly Conti (Pat) and Deanna Ruschioni (B.J.), brother Lenny Tompkins, sister Debra Ismay, her grand-children and their families, and her dearest and longtime friend, Millie, who she considered to be like a sister to her.