Ruth Ellen Downey 1915-2006

DOWNEY, JONES, WHITESELL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/4/2013 at 12:47:06

Sioux Valley News
13 September 2006

Ruth E. Downey, 91, formerly of Anthon, passed away Friday, September 1, 2006, at Correctionville, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 6, 10:30 a.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Anthon, Iowa with Pastor Karen Handke officiating. Julie Hamann served as pianist and Vocalist.

Pallbearers were Raleigh Downey, Roger Downey, Corey Roggatz, Mark Stamp, Ardell Banta, Jr., and Tim Skidmore.

A prayer service was held on Tuesday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home.
Interment was in the Correctionville Cemetery under direction of Armstrong Funeral Service.

Ruth Ellen Downey was born January 21, 1915, in rural Cherokee County, the daughter of William (Ed) and Nellie (Jones) Whitesell. She grew up in the Correctionville area. She married Fred Downey, February 4, 1933 in Elk Point, South Dakota. The couple lived on their farm near Anthon for 49 years.

Ruth's hobbies were making quilts, crocheting, embroidery, and gardening. She enjoyed her life on the farm and the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and made wonderful apple pies and cinnamon rolls. She loved their dog Tippy, and enjoyed plants and flowers.

After the passing of her husband of 62 years in September of 1995, she moved to Correctionville. Ruth entered the Correctionville Nursing and Rehab Center in 2001. There she enjoyed playing bingo, watching the birds, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by two sons and their wives, LaWayne and Reba Downey of Anthon and Larry and Lorraine Downey of Correctionville, Iowa; a daughter and her husband, Diana and Ardell Banta, Sr. of Correctionville; a sister, Faye Mahin of Correctionville; seven grandchildren, Raleigh and Roger Downey, Linda (Downey) Roggatz, Debbra (Downey) Stamp, Tammy (Downey) Palmer, Ardell Banta, Jr., and Deanna (Banta) Skidmore; 14 great grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

Along with her husband, Fred, she was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and three brothers.