Esther Dell Manly

Esther was born December 19, 1925 in Ansley, Nebraska to Ruben Leroy Walker and Lila Leona (Zigler). She was the youngest of six living children who have all preceded her in death. Her Siblings and their spouses were George Leoland and Vera (McFarlin), Goldie and Fred Esch, Ray and Helen (Betz), Wayne and Ruth (Ruhaak), Opal and Robert Gage. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, LeRoy Manly.

The family moved to Anton, Colorado when Esther was three after being wiped out by a tornado. In Anton Esther's father farmed, worked on the roads and was sheriff at various times during their stay. In approximately 1942 a family friend, Dr, J.C. Stadden suggested they move to Vista, California where he then lived. The family set down roots in Vista save for George and Wayne. This gave the children a chance to complete school past the 8th grade. Esther totally embraced life in California, especially school. She became a majorette for Vista High School, where she graduated in 1944. During this time, WWII was going on so the women lived together while the men were at war. Esther worked in the Calavo packing sheds, packing avocados and became the fastest packer there. She enjoyed dances, especially the USO dances, with all the military men stationed nearby. She also enjoyed spending time with her nieces, Charlotte, Nellice and Joyce. It was at one of these dances where she entered a leg contest. The Walker women were known for their shapely legs. She won the contest and caught the eye of the bass player in the band. That was LeRoy Manly who, on October 17, 1948 she married when she was 22 years old. They followed LeRoy's career which led them to living in Vista, Brawley, Oak Grove, Auguana and a short stint in Brownsville, Texas during his training for the U.S. Border Patrol. They then spent four years in Murrieta before moving to Fresno, California. They had two daughters, Melody Dell (1952) and Holiday Le (1954). In Fresno, Esther had the opportunity to finish her college education, receiving a AA degree in Liberal Arts in 1972 from Fresno City College and a BA degree in therapeutic recreation in 1975, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Fresno State University. She graduated with her daughter, Melody at the same time with both of these degrees. She went on to enjoy a fulfilling career as a Registered Recreation Therapist for many years. During this time she welcomed her grandchildren, Aaron James and Nova Dell (Chrisman) from Melody and David Mitchell and Michael Lee from Holiday. These grandchildren were the joy of her life. This increased with the birth of her great grandchildren, Happy Mayfield, Rosie and Jasper Amaral, Elli and Mayson Mayfield. Esther also enjoyed many social groups. These included Business and Professional Women's Cub, National Association of Recreation Therapist, Musical Socialites, Edison Social Club, and Escapees RV club.

After retirement Esther and LeRoy enjoyed their 1976 GMC motorhome, driving throughout the western and southwest United States. They especially enjoyed attending the Death Valley Pioneer Days every November. Other trips involved seeing family and attending gem and mineral shows. Esther also had a great love of art, taking many art classes and enjoying oil painting. She lived in her original home in Fresno from 1963 until her stroke in 2020. At that time she moved to a board and care facility due to her care needs. She was there until her death November 12, 2024.

Ms. Manly also leaves behind numerous friends and family to cherish her memory.