Early in the morning of April 3rd, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dearest friend, Florence W. Manwaring, peacefully passed away at the Homestead, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Florence was born June 27, 1935 in Bancroft, Idaho to Francis and Wanda Whitworth. She was the fifth of seven children. She grew up on the family farm in Chesterfield, Idaho. As a child, Florence could often be found making cottage cheese, and handmade soap for the family, and at age seven, she was making fudge and taffy to sell to friends on the 20-mile bus ride to and from school. While attending North Gem High School, her love of music and performing began. She participated in numerous school plays and productions: playing the piano, acting and performing. She would win the "Honor Thespian" of her senior class.

Florence attended Brigham Young University and loved performing as a Cougarette. She later graduated from LDS Business College. It was at BYU that Florence met the love of her life, Alan Var Manwaring, while participating in Opera Workshop together. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 20, 1956.

Little did Florence know, that her childhood love of chocolate would lead to her and Var creating and running one of the most successful candy businesses in the West: Moms Kandy Kitchen and Florence's Exquisite Candies.

Florence's gifts and talents were not limited to just the creation of some of the world's most delicious chocolates. She found time to teach piano and voice for many years, both privately, and at Ricks College. She was a talented professional singer and speaker. Thousands will recall those wonderful programs. She would be asked many times how she was able to do so much? She would always answer "I'm a farm girl and very driven!"

More than her love of chocolate and music was her devotion to Var and her children, and those she would "take in" who would become like her own. She spent her life in setting an example of service to others for them to emulate. She freely and generously shared all she had.

Florence loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in too many leadership positions to mention, and always answered the call, when asked to serve. All who knew her best, would agree that she is among the most elect and noble women they have ever known.

She will always be remembered for her smile and charm, which would light up any room. She enjoyed life. Her joy and energy were contagious, and she taught so many of us to live exactly the same way. She will be sorely missed.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Var, and siblings Louis, Marise, Ray, Gene, and June. She is survived by her five children; Kerry, Michelle (Vince), Karen Lowe (Randy), Shauna Eaton (Jon), and Brian (Michelle); 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and her younger brother JT Whitworth.

A viewing will be held Friday, April 7th, from 5:30-7:00pm at Flamm Funeral Home, 61 North 1st East. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 8th at 1:30pm at the Rexburg East Stake Center, 387 South 4th East. A viewing will also be held there from 12:30-1:15pm prior to the service.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Homestead and Encompass Home Health for their kind, compassionate, and attentive care.