Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories profiling the 10 ‘Women of Distinction’ being recognized during the Feb. 17 Manteca’s Women’s Leadership Conference.Evelyn Prouty and other volunteers were setting up for the annual chili cook-off fund-raiser for the Manteca Historical Society when someone handed her a long slender box.Inside was a letter congratulating her for being chosen as one of the Top 10 Women of Influence in Manteca. The letter further informed her that she will be honored at the 10th Annual-Diamond Anniversary Women’s Connection 2012, a Women’s Wellness and Leadership Conference, to be held Friday, Feb. 17, at the Calvary Community Church in Manteca.The letter came from Beverly J. Marlow, chairperson of the Women’s Connection and the members of the committee.“I can’t imagine how I got picked,” was Prouty’s reaction to her selection.“It’s probably something to do with the cemetery,” she added after a short pause during a telephone interview on Monday.The Manteca Hall of Fame Class of 2010 member was referring to historic East Union Cemetery, resting place of many of the area’s pioneers and movers and shakers. Prouty was largely instrumental in saving this sacred four-acre plot on the southwest corner of Louise Avenue and Union Road from becoming a weed patch after the state froze all the bank accounts of the cemetery association due to alleged mismanagement.