Dona Manly

Dona Louise Manly, 95, died peacefully Sunday, September 27, 2026, during hospice care at her daughter's home in Dover. She was a resident of Brookdale Senior Living Center at the time. Memorial visitation and services will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, October 2, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel.

Dona led a full and adventurous life. The daughter of Alexander A. and Hazel Irene (McKenzie) Stern, she was born April 3, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio. In her early 20's, the family moved to Orlando, Florida, where she eventually met her husband of 52 years, Floyd C. "Whitey" Manly. Throughout his Air Force career, and subsequent years as an engineer with Bechtel Power, they lived in Japan, Canada, and at least seven states across the country where they made life-long friends, having frequent adventures snow skiing, snowmobiling, and traveling the country. In 1984, they were transferred to Russellville, Arkansas, where they decided to settle down. In 1985, they invested in their own 20+ year business venture as franchise owners and operators of Subway stores in Russellville, Clarksville, Dardenelle, and Morrilton, eventually selling them to their children.

Dona was the glue that held the family together during her life. Her classic charm, sense of humor, and her unique ability to laugh at herself through life were an inspiration to all who met her. She always had a heart for her community and in her later years could be found taking her beloved family dog, “Hazel,” certified as a therapy dog, to visit area nursing homes and assisted living centers. Her bright smile greeted everyone, and no one could mistake her distinctive laugh.

Dona also loved to play golf and was a member of the Lion’s Den in Dardanelle, formerly Bay Ridge Golf Club. She was an avid swimmer and loved teaching her grandchildren to enjoy the water and swim. Many fond memories were made with family and friends in their backyard pool area. She and Whitey enjoyed playing bridge & poker with their friends, and she was an insatiable reader of mystery and history novels. She was also admired for her green thumb and interior decorating skills, always keeping an immaculate home.

Dona was previously a member of the First United Methodist Church of Russellville where one of her fulfilling ministries in the church was volunteering at Manna House.

Those who knew Dona would readily agree that she was the epitome of unconditional love, always being more focused on the care and happiness of others. Her smile, that laugh, and her unfailing love and encouragement, will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, Floyd C. Manly; and a son-in-law, Kim Altman.

Dona is survived by her sister, Sandra Parker of Mount Dora, Florida; her two daughters, Lisa Altman of Dover, and Laura Page (and husband Bruce) of Loma, Colorado; her son, Alex Manly (and wife Jennifer) of Russellville; eight grandchildren: Derek Altman (and wife Lorenda), Kyle Altman (and wife Mycah), Ashley Brucks (and husband Aaron), Audra Meahl (and husband Russ), Ryan Page (and wife Julie), Sierra Aguayo, Finn Manly, and Sophia Manly; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Dona Manly, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate

Dona’s internet obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.