Troyce Ann Maner

Troyce Ann Maner, a beloved educator and cherished family member, passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 79. Born on June 13, 1945, in Benton, Arkansas, Troyce dedicated her life to making a difference in the world around her.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bowling Green State University, Troyce pursued a long career as a classroom teacher, dedicating over 25 years of her life to children with special needs and medical complications. During the same period, she and husband Walter led a Christian peer ministry program (Retrouvaille) that provided a lifeline for troubled marriages. 

Troyce was an accomplished cook, drawing on an accumulation of thousands of recipes, many of them passed lovingly from generation to generation.

Troyce was deeply committed to her Saline County community. She was a long-time volunteer at the CJCOHN food pantry and served for many years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for neglected, abandoned or abused children who had been taken into state custody.

She was a parishioner and volunteer at Open Door Community Church, which extends an inclusive and affirming welcome to all God’s LGBT children, including Troyce’s own son Tim. 

Troyce is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ernest Walter Maner; her son, Timothy Alan Maner (Jesse Mintz-Roth); her grandson, Timothy Louis Brescia; her sister, Gloria Jean Ottens (Paul Ottens); and many family members and friends who will always hold her in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond “Buck” Luther Layfield and Helen Talmage Bledsoe Layfield.

In her life she lived in Conway, AR, Strasbourg, France, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Virginia Beach, VA, and Bowling Green, OH, finally returning to her hometown of Benton, AR, when she retired from teaching.

Troyce Ann Maner will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering love for her family and friends, and her commitment to education and advocacy.

A Celebration of Life service will occur at a date to be announced. Details can be found in the guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.