June Blakeney Manlove passed away Monday, September 7, 2020. She was born June 15, 1922 in La Veta, Colorado. She is survived by five sons, Dexter, Clifford, Mark, Jon and Kirk and one daughter, Donna McGhee. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Clifford III, Bill, Erica, Scott, Elise, Todd, Shelby, Cameron, Kaitlyn, Hunter and Lindsey and five great-grandchildren, Bella, Carter, Fisher, Luke and Reid.
She was raised by her Mother, Blanche and stepfather, Diamond Blakeney in Dexter, Missouri. In 1938, June was crowned Miss Dexter. She also met her husband to be, Clifford T. Manlove in Dexter. They went on to marry March 16, 1942 at the height of World War II and remained married for 73 years until Clifford’s passing in 2015.
June met the demands of being a military wife by raising children while moving across the country and around the world. It started with two toddlers while moving to Panama and adding a third while there. From there she moved the growing family to Texas while Clifford attended university. After that was a move to Ohio and the family grew to four. She then packed the family again and moved on to the Netherlands. After the Netherlands, it was off to Missouri with an additional toddler in tow, five boys in total.
That wasn’t the end of the travels by any means from, there it was back to Ohio and then off to the Philippines. Finally, after dropping 3 sons off at colleges along the way, it was back to Dexter, Missouri for retirement and adding Donna to the family.
She spent her entire life in service in one form or another, whether it was her family or others in need. She spent 30 years working with the Red Cross helping those less fortunate than herself. Even in retirement her and Clifford took in foster children helping them find a permanent place to live.
She also enjoyed life and there wasn’t a week that went by when she didn’t have a bridge club meeting at the house with at least 4 tables playing. She lived life to the fullest and rarely compromised on what was important. Family was at the top of the list for June and she made sure all felt welcome in her house.
There will be a private family service with her burial following. Please keep June in your remembrances.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
