Gretchen Loomis Manker

Gretchen Loomis Manker, the surviving spouse of the Reverend Dr. Raymond George Manker, died 30 August 2019, at the age of ninety. She was born Margaret Brammer Loomis on 28 March 1929, in Houston, Texas, and attended Rice University before marrying Ray in 1949. Gretchen was very active in social justice issues and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Arizona, which her husband served as minister for twenty-seven years. They had five children and served congregations in Toledo, Ohio, Wayland, Massachusetts, and Riverside, California, before settling in Phoenix.

She pursued her interest in Social/Cultural Anthropology through ASU, and received her BA, MA and a partially-completed PhD. Through the years, Gretchen held true to a passion for women’s rights around the world. She also had a passion for travel. Two of her favorite places were close by: SAWUURA, a UU camp near Young, AZ; and Rocky Point, MX.

Gretchen is survived by four of her children: Kathy Manker (Bruce Gardner); Ray Manker (Patti Atchley); Susan Manker (Curtiss Seale); and David Manker (Larry Purifory); four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. One son, Wendell Manker, died in 1974.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix (UUCP), 4027 E. Lincoln Dr., Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253. or to SAWUURA (Sierra Ancha Wilderness UU Religious Association) through UUCP.

Cards and condolences on behalf of the family can be sent to Rev. Susan Manker, 7601 N. Village Ave., Tucson, AZ 85704.