Mary L. Lucas McManis

1933 -2026

 

     Mary L. Lucas McManis, 93 of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     She was born February 23, 1933 in Iowa Falls, IA the daughter of James George and Kathryn Jones Heslop.  She graduated from Eldora High School with the class of 1951 and later from Simpson College where she earned an elementary teaching degree. 

     On August 16, 1953 Mary was united in marriage to Eugene M. Lucas in Eldora, IA.  He preceded her in death on April 16, 2002.  On November 24, 2006 she married Kenneth McManis in Keokuk.  He preceded her in death on April 28, 2017.

     In 1962 Mary moved with her husband and two children to Keokuk where they purchased Hill Printing Company.  She worked alongside her husband as the bookkeeper and office manager until it was sold in 1994.  After her retirement she worked part time for licensed physical therapist, James B. Smith, until 2003.   

     Mary was a faithful member of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She was one of the first three women chosen to serve as an elder at the church. Through the years she faithfully held many offices and served in numerous ways. She was active on many boards and committees including Chapter U, PEO for fifty-nine years, Service Circle, Consistory, Trustees, and Elders. She also taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir. Mary was also an active member of the Hoerner Y for more than sixty years.  

     She enjoyed aerobic classes at the Y for over twenty years, volunteering and working at the church, and most of all spending time with her family. Her faith, dedication to service, and caring spirit touched many lives throughout the community.

     She is survived by four children, Susan Bergstrom (Rob) of Ft. Madison, IA, Jeffrey Lucas (Christina) of Chicago, IL,  Jennifer Noel (Kirk) of Columbia, MO, Scott Lucas of Scottsdale, AZ and, four step-children, Gail Ralya of Springfield, MO, David McManis of Bradenton, FL, Mark McManis of Frisco, CO and Cyndi Mason of Keokuk, two grandchildren, Seth Noel (Makaela) and Kaleb Noel (Katie), three great-grandchildren, Grayson, Lucas and Jensen, nine step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Nancy Flickinger of MA. 

     In addition to both of her husbands, she was also preceded in death by her parents, two siblings, Lois Strother and James Heslop, one sister-in-law, Rita Heslop and two brothers-in-law, Don Bekemeier and Jim Flickinger and several nieces and nephews.

     A funeral service will be held at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to PEO.

     Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com