Rosalinda Manley

Rosalinda (“Rosie”) Manley, of El Paso, TX, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Rosie was born to Anna and Jose Vela on January 26, 1952, in El Paso. She graduated from Burges High School in 1970 and from the University of Texas at EL Paso in 1974. Pursuing her childhood dream, she taught elementary school for 30 years before retiring in 2005. A life-long learner, she graduated with her master’s degree in reading education in 2006, also from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Rosie is survived by her faithful husband of 51 years, Lloyd, son Brian and daughter-in-law, Diva, and son Steven. She is a proud grandmother to Karina, Keith, Nadine, and Christian. She is also survived by sister Irene and brother-in-law Bill Reed, brother Raul and sister-in-law Ellia Vela, brother-in-law Harry and his wife Margie Manley, sister-in-law Elaine Riley, and brother-in-law Mark Manley, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in entering Heaven by her parents, Anna and Jose Vela, brother Eddie and sister-in-law Lupe Vela, brother-in-law Glen Manley, and brother-in-law Wayne Riley.

Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM and a Eulogy at 12:00 PM, February 7, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Homes – East, 750 N. Carolina Dr. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 8th, at El Patio Ballroom at 11am.

Rosie’s passions in life include education, family and friends, and, most importantly, her Lord Jesus. Always the learner, Rosie was blessed with a stepfather, Buford Campbell, who encouraged her to pursue her dream of completing college and educating the future generations, which she did exceedingly well. She was named her school’s Teacher of the Year in 1997 and genuinely loved each student she taught. As an avid reader and writer, towards the end of her career she became a literacy leader and transitioned to staff development, teaching teachers how to improve student reading comprehension.

Rather than seeking earthly possessions, luxurious travels, or status symbols, Rosie is focused on people. The dining room table is her favorite place in the home because that is where loved ones gather. Her family and friends never have to question how much she loves them because it is crystal clear. Never missing an opportunity to host a gathering or cook for those whom she loves, quality time with others is what characterizes Rosie’s life. Rosie is blessed with the gift of hospitality and uses it frequently. Gifted by God to also be an educator, she cannot help but share the wisdom she has accumulated in long talks with those she loves.

The love of her life is her husband Lloyd, with whom she renewed her vows after 25 years of marriage in 1999 and celebrated 50 years of marital bliss in 2024. Her sons Brian and Steven are the most blessed sons in the world because of their mother’s love for them…a love that would give anything for her children. Nobody taught Brian and Steven more than their mom, and her love for them is unconditional and unrivaled. In addition, Brian’s wife, Diva, in recent years has become a daughter to Rosie instead of a daughter-in-law.

Her grandchildren, Karina, Keith, Nadine, and Chistian are the apples of her eye, though. Indeed, nothing brings a bigger smile to Rosie’s face than thinking about and spending time with her beloved grandchildren. The happiness they bring her is unmatched, and they are the reason she and Lloyd moved back to El Paso in 2025 after spending the previous three years in Arlington, TX, despite having made many amazing friends in the DFW area.

While she showed tremendous love for her family and friends, Rosie’s life changed in the early 1990s as she learned about the love Jesus had for her. Once she discovered how He gave His life for her, she gladly accepted Him as Lord and Savior of her life. Changed from the inside out from that moment onward, Jesus brought Rosie the peace, forgiveness, and love only God can provide. She, in turn, has loved the Lord more than anything in life. Rosie’s life has since been characterized by Bible studies, tithing, and earnest prayer for her entire family and list of friends. Rosie is a model of a faithful Christ-follower and knows she has been blessed to be a blessing. And what a role model and blessing she has been!

While her earthly body is scheduled to return to ash on January 26, exactly 74 years after her birth, Rosie is still alive today. In fact, she is more alive today than ever before. Her eternal life began more than 30 years ago when she made Jesus her Savior, and she now resides with her Heavenly Father, whom she loves more than life itself. While those she leaves behind will forever miss her incredible love, service, and dedication, we are beyond excited for her as she is already experiencing incomprehensible joy in the glory of her Father’s house, the place of her real citizenship. We could not be prouder of how Rosie ran her earthly race focused on loving God and loving people, and we rejoice in the fact that her earthly suffering is over and her Heavenly Father has welcomed her home and told her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]. She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]. She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.” Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

-Proverbs 31: 25-30

Funeral Services will be live streamed on this page.