Lois J. (Sewell) McManus

Lois J. Sewell McManus, age 76, of Scaggs Lane, Hillsboro, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington.

Born November 23, 1948, in Jackson, KY, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin R. Sewell and Minta Johnson Sewell.

Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband Tim McManus, whom she wed June 24, 1972, and is survived by their four children, James Michael McManus of Hillsboro, Krista Finch (Daniel) of Georgetown, Starley McManus of Hillsboro, and Polly McManus of Lexington; and three grandchildren, Ethan and Aidyn McManus-Sanning and Lillian Finch.

Other survivors include four brothers and sisters, Mike Sewell of Hillsboro Amy Wriston (Hubert) of Hillsboro, Becky Kelly of Hillsboro, Gary Sewell (Terri) of Jackson.  As well as many nieces and nephews, other relatives and beloved friends. Preceded in death by her brother Steve Sewell. 

Lois was the eldest of 6 children and loved her siblings dearly. She told many stories of visiting her grandparents on the farm in Breathitt County and how that was one of her most favorite places to be. 

After graduating Southern High School in Racine Ohio, she attended Morehead State University where she participated in every activity and club you can imagine. She received her Master’s Degree in Education and pursued a teaching career, retiring from the Morehead Youth Development Center after 32 years. Following retirement, she pursued her passion of ceramics by opening Clay Makin’s Ceramic Studio in Farmers, KY, with her husband, Tim.

Lois was often found with her nose in a book and enjoyed singing karaoke and dancing, sitting on her porch swing, going out to eat, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. 

She had a gift for placing everyone’s needs above her own and embodied the true meaning of forgiveness. Often described as the “sweetest” woman by those who knew her.

Going to Mass at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church was such a gift to her spirit. She always felt loved and uplifted after the service. To her 4 children, 1 son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren, what blessings they were to her and what joy they brought.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul Prabell officiating. 

Pallbearers: Daniel Finch, Joe Surmont, Mike Sewell, Roger Porter, Derrick Malone, Krista McManus

Honorary Pallbearers: Mike McManus, Ethan McManus-Sanning, Richard Quillen, Gary Sewell, Hubert Wriston, Jimmy Watson, and Betty Pugh. 

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals (400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church (315 Battson Avenue, Morehead, KY 40351) and STAR, Saving The Animals of Rowan, STAR http://stardogrescue.org/donate/memorium/

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com   

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