Rita (Bennett) Manning, 86, of Douglas, formerly of Ashland passed away Monday May 12th after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late John F. Manning Jr who died in 1996. Rita grew up in Watertown and resided in Ashland for over 60 years before moving to Douglas to be with family. She worked for Sealtest Ice Cream in Framingham for 15 years. She is survived by three children; Phillip Manning of Millis, Aileen Price of Douglas, and John Manning and his wife Linda of Uxbridge; one sister-in-law; Sandra Manning; seven grandchildren; Nathanial and Benjamin Price; Amanda Wall; and Robert, Madison, Marissa, and Mia Manning; and one great-granddaughter, Kassidy Price. She was the mother of the late William Manning. A funeral service will be held Wednesday May 14th at 1:00PM in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 11:00-1:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01702