Mary Elaine (Kathman) Manilla
(June 24, 1923 - January 13, 2019)

Mary Elaine Kathman Manilla, 95, died peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on January 13, 2019.Born June 24, 1923 in Covington, KY, Elaine was the daughter of the late William and Blanche Kathman. Elaine graduated from La Salette Academy and worked at Western & Southern Life Insurance Company. She met Charles Manilla, a University of Cincinnati student, on a blind date. The couple married and moved to his hometown of Huntington, WV. A charter member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Elaine was active in the Guild, Altar Society, and Blue Army. She attended Marshall University and was involved in Toastmasters. Elaine’s greatest joy was motherhood. She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, assuring each one that they were “the best.” Everyone was welcome at her kitchen table where they were fed with food and laughter. Elaine enjoyed traveling and wrote heartfelt poetry about family and friends. Elaine was preceded in death by Charles, as well as her sister, Blanche Huber, and her brothers: Roger, Bill, Philip, John, and Donald Kathman. She is survived by her children: Charles (Holly) of West Chester, Ohio; Steve (Mary) of Austin, TX; Chris (Dave Palmer) of Leland, NC; Phil (Gayle) of Huntington; and Marie (Don Primerano) of Huntington. Elaine is also survived by six grandchildren: Brad, Lindsey, Jason, Ryan, Taylor, and Kacy, as well as three great-grandchildren: Harper, Rowan, and Allie. Elaine was beloved by nieces and nephews in the Huber, Kathman, and Lapelle families. The family offers deep gratitude to the staff at Paramount Senior Living for taking such good care of their mother, and to the St. Mary’s ER staff and oncology nurses for helping her transition so beautifully. Viewing will be at Beard Mortuary from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, Jan. 18. Funeral mass will be Sat. Jan. 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima followed by burial at White Chapel Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Tuition Angels, a scholarship fund for Our Lady of Fatima School.