Louise Mae (Link) Manta

Louise Mae Manta, age 87, of Bellevue, MI passed away peacefully on May 12, 2022, at her home with family at her bedside. She was born August 7, 1934, to Andrew Franklin Link and Vonda Grace (Elliston) Link. Louise graduated from Onaway High School in 1952 and on September 3, 1954, she married Bruce A. Smith. Together they had four daughters, Debra (Grey) Wilcox, Diane (Gary) Bailey, Dena (Randy) Shumaker and Luanne Lakies. After 23 years of marriage, Bruce passed away in 1977, from a long-term illness.

Louise enjoyed her 28 years of work at Tenth District Court Calhoun County, retiring July of 2001. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star, enjoyed crafts and belonged to a weekly lady's craft group. Louise also did ceramics for many years and could never pass a garage sale.

On August 29, 2006, she married Elie “Lee” Manta, gaining even more loving children, Victoria (Pat) McEwan, Steve (Val) Manta, Virginia (Brent) Nesseth, and Don (Ruth) Manta.

Louise greatly enjoyed spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were the light of her life. She became known as the queen of Kings on the Corner card game and Triominoes by her family and friends. She loved traveling in Northern Michigan and attended many of her Onaway High School class reunions. Louise and Lee also enjoyed traveling together, especially being snowbirds in McAllen, Texas.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Lee’s children; sisters-in-law, Alex Smith, Becky Smith, Shirley Weers; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Louise was recently preceded in death by her husband, Lee on January 22, 2022. She was also preceded by her parents; brothers, Lewis and Bill Link and son-in-law, Ron Lakies.

Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N Elizabeth St, Bellevue, MI 49021. Visitation for Louise will take place on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, 122 N. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 from 11:00am until the time of the funeral service beginning at 12:00pm. Pastor Don Francis, officiating. A committal service will follow with burial at the Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Oaklawn Hospice. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book, or to leave the family condolences.