Mary Elizabeth Downing, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Downing, was born December 13, 1848 in Monticello, Mo., and passed away on July 12, 1937, at the home of her niece, Mrs. Eva Gangwer at Rosalia, Kansas, at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 29 days.Surviving her are two nieces and two nephews: Rosa Riddlen of Nebraska, Mrs. Eva Gangwer of Rosalia, Kans., Joe Chapman of Illinois and Marvin Downing of Wilmore.
She came to Clay County, Kansas, with her brother, William Downing, in 1884 and proved up a claim.
She came to Comanche County in the fall of 1894 when she and her brother bought a farm in Shimer township and continued to make her home there until 10 years ago when she moved to Wilmore and made her home with her nephew, Marvin.
She joined the Christian Church in Williamstown, Mo., when a young girl and remained a devout member and Christian the rest of her life time.
She was a moving figure during the pioneer days of Western Kansas and by hard work and helpfulness did much to create good will and good citizenship among her neighbors. Her smiling presence will be missed by all who knew her and her kindly deeds will not be forgotten.
Funeral rites for Miss Mary Elizabeth Downing were held Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 in Wilmore at the Methodist Church with Rev. Copley officiating. Burial was made at the Crown Hill cemetery in Coldwater.
CARD OF THANKS In grateful acknowledgment of the beautiful flowers and the kind sympathy which they expressed.
Mrs. Eva Gangwer and Betty
Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Peebles
Mr. Marvin Downing and family
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Sunderland
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
This website is being created by Jerry Ferrin with the able assistance of many Contributors. Your comments, suggestions and contributions of historical information and photographs to this site are welcome. Please sign the Guest Book. This page was last updated 17 January 2006.