Evelyn Downs' Obituary
Evelyn Janeice Downs, 90, of Allerton passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon. Evelyn was born in Allerton on October 23, 1925 to William 'Mate' & Mary (Mace) Duden. She received her education from Greenfield High School in Greenfield, Iowa, graduating in 1943. Evelyn met her future husband in 1941 when her sister Gretchen and husband Hubert Downs took a trip to Kentucky. Evelyn told them to bring her back a hillbilly, so they returned with Hubert's brother Bill Downs. They married on April 9, 1943. The story goes that Bill was home on leave from the army, and Hubert, who worked for a farmer, said if it rained he'd take Bill and Evelyn to Missouri to get married. It rained, so they got married. To this union came four children: Bill, Vicki, Jan and Doug. Evelyn retired from Neely Manufacturing after 30 years of sewing, then she worked at Casey's until her second retirement. Evelyn was handy in almost every way, from sewing her children's clothes, crocheting afghans for grandkids, to knocking out a wall she thought should be somewhere else. (Bill was not amused.) Evelyn was known as Grandma, Little Grandma, or Grandma D, not only to her grandkids but to many kids around the area. Evelyn loved spending time with kids and grandkids. The grandkids all have special memories of sitting on the front porch swing with their grandma. She always had a positive attitude, listening ear, playful spirit and a loving heart big enough for all. Survivors include four children: Bill Downs (Debby Randolph) of Allerton, Vicki Jones of Corydon, Jan Hysell (Tom) of Allerton, Doug Downs (June) of Allerton, 15 grandchildren; Troy Downs (Lee Ann) of Osceola, Lisa Thomas (Gary) of Pleasant Hill, Randy Downs (Angela) of Corydon, Amanda Klug (Chris) of Grimes, Ashley Reed (Jake) of Allerton, T.J. Jones (Rene) of Waukee, Heather Clark (Ryan) of Centerville, Hannah Wiltamuth (John) of Centerville, Michael Ewing of Allerton, David Ewing (Karla) of Corydon, Adam Hysell (Ashley) of Allerton, Lindsay Hysell of Allerton, Leanne Dixson (Michael) of Osceola, Bobbie Sue Roe (Andy) of New Virginia, William Downs (Nilani) of Waukee, 32 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband William Downs, daughter in law, Anice Downs and three siblings; Herman and Delbert Duden and Gretchen Reeves. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Thomas-Randolph Funeral Home in Allerton with Paul Niday officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Allerton Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 17, 2016 from 1-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. at Thomas-Randolph Funeral Home in Allerton. Memorial will be designated at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Evelyn Downs please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Allerton Cemetery 115th St. & King Road
Allerton, IA 50008 Visitation MAY 17. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Homes-Allerton 100 S Wayne StAllerton, IA 50008[emailprotected] Funeral Service MAY 18. 10:30 AM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Homes-Allerton 100 S Wayne StAllerton, IA 50008[emailprotected]
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