Barbara McManus

Barbara Roberta McManus was born in Bakersfield, California on September 7, 1942, and passed into heaven on September 29, 2023. At home with her two children holding her hands. Mom was preceded in death by her parents Robert Herschel Middleton and Ruby Selean Middleton, her sister Ruby Ann King, and her brother Bobby Jean Middleton, sister- in- law Marilyn Banducci and our father James Granville McManus. She is survived by her two children James Granville McManus III (Michele) and Catherine Anne McManus Sons (Dwight), and her brother Wallace Middleton (Sherri), brother-in-law Russell King, brother-in-law Michael McManus (Retha). She had 5 grandchildren who she loved so much, James Michael McManus (Avery), Jessica Deeanne Sons, Joseph Price McManus, Jared Douglas Sons, and Jennifer Selean Sons. She was also blessed with two great grandchildren, Cooper James McManus and Kollyns Marie McManus. Mom always just lit up when her grandkids would come to visit.

Our mother grew up in Rexland Acres and made so many life-long friends. She was also in the very first graduating class of South High School. She lived briefly in Sacramento, California and when our father finished college, they moved back to Bakersfield. Our mother worked several types of jobs that would allow her to be home with us. She was such an involved parent: a den mother for Blue Birds and Cub Scouts, a PTA Member, and working in our classrooms. Our mom rode motorcycles; water skied, and loved camping. She always enjoyed having our friends at our house. She gave us an amazing childhood.

After we grew up, mom and dad opened T.A.A.S.K. Inc. a business they put their heart and soul into. The business is still operating after 39 years by the next generation. She love to travel with her family and friends. The trip to Atlantis with her family was a very special memory, as were the cruises with her friends, and summers in Pismo Beach. She loved being at the beach drinking a cup of coffee with her friends and reading a good book.

She was a kind and generous person that always had a twinkle in her clear blue eyes. We will continue to hold the love she showed us in our hearts. We will miss her so much, but we know we will see her again one day in heaven.

Mom will have a Private burial service.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude’s Children hospital would truly honor our Mother.