Madeline Manby

September 16, 1928 - December 16, 2020

Madeline Mae Manby passed peacefully into the loving arms of her God on December 16th, 2020 surrounded by her three daughters. She truly lived a magnificent life in her 92 years. Madeline was born September 16, 1928 to Harry R. and Esther A. (Rabbitt) Mead in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Houghton Lake High School and later from Wright Beauty Academy in Advanced Cosmetology. She was a lifelong member of the Michigan and National Hairdressers Associations, serving on several boards and continuing her training throughout her career. During her 56-year career she competed nationally, winning numerous awards in style competition. She taught future stylists at Ferris State College in the summers. She was a renowned cosmetologist owning two salons, Allen’s Coiffures and Madeline. Madeline’s main focus was always providing for her family. She truly cherished and had a special bond with all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending events, helping with projects, driving in the car and creating memories. She was fondly known as “Grandma Madeline” to family and friends alike. Madeline married her true love Harry and spent 25 fabulous years together nurturing their family. They both loved the outdoors and built a summer home together on Goodrich Lake where they enjoyed fishing, boating, and entertaining. They spent their winters in Longboat Key, Florida, on the beach. Over the years Madeline maintained a fondness for travel, mastered caring for plants, and provided a beautiful home, full of style and comfort. After retirement she moved to Elk Rapids. Elk Lake was the setting for numerous family reunions that brought her immense joy, the sharing of good food, laughter and stories. She developed lasting friendships within her community and church, especially with the Tuesday Morning bible study group, the “Bible girls.” Madeline is survived by her daughters Linda (Bruce) Bishop of Ceresco Michigan, Lisa Allen of Tulsa Oklahoma, Renee (Don) Fedrigon of Elk Rapids Michigan, stepdaughters Mollie (Scott) Manby Henker, Sarah (Randy) Manby Hartlerode. Grandchildren Katrina Heckman, Todd Bishop, Michelle (Chad) Barnes, Michael Bishop, Myriah Bloomberg, Alexa Fedrigon, Donnie (Natalie) Fedrigon, Jacob Fedrigon, Joel (Brianna) Kohanksi and Catherine Kohanski. 9 great grandchildren. Sister Frances Crandal of Arizona and many nieces and nephews who loved and adored her. She was preceded in death by Harry A. Manby, her first husband Richard Allen and son Ronald S. Allen, parents, brothers Charles, Don and Harold Mead. Madeline was a devoted friend and was highly admired by all who loved and knew her. She had a sense of peace and outer strength with a sensitive spirit. A private service is being held on Friday, December 18th at 11 am at Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral home with Pastor Jim Porter as celebrant. A live feed of the service will be available to watch at www.rjfh.tv. A celebration of life will be held in Summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, Hospice of Michigan, Leila Arboretum Society or a charity of one’s choice.