Edna L. Downing, 71, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, passed away at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, Thursday, May 7, 2009. She was born August 17, 1937, in Unicoi County, Tennessee, to the late Fred and Lucille (Tucker) Garland. On December 2, 1955, she married Robert Lee Downing in Bellefontaine and he preceded her in death October 18, 2006. Also preceding her in death was a brother, Robert O. Garland.
She is survived by a son, John D. Downing and a daughter, Brenda L. Gilroy both of Bellefontaine; a brother, Fred (Judy) Garland of Huntsville, Ohio; and 5 sisters, Barbara (Robert) Wildermuth and Mary (Petey) Brown both of Bellefontaine, Bertha “Tootsie” Tipton, Linda (Andrew) Scafidi and Bobbie Cree all of Corpus Christi, Texas; and her dog “Prince”.
Edna was a homemaker and babysat for many years. Even though she never had grandchildren of her own, she loved spending time with children of all ages. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Bellefontaine, where she was active with the Fidelis Circle. For many years she was in a bowling league. Edna was a 1955 graduate of Bellefontaine High School and once a month her class would have a dinner party which she enjoyed attending.
Deacon Harold Dipple will conduct the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine, where calling hours are from 6 to 8 P.M. Monday, May 11, 2009. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, West Liberty, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan County Humane Society 2521 US 68 North Bellefontaine, OH 43311