Chesterton Tribune

 

 

Services set for Barbara Downs

Back To Front Page

Barbara J. Downs, 83, of Michigan City, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. at Franciscan Saint Anthony Hospital.

She was born July 7, 1928, in LaPorte, the daughter of Marshall and Alice (Handtke) Smith, who preceded her in death.

On Dec. 28, 1944, in Paxton, Ill., she married Stanley Downs, who also preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Joan (Kenneth) Johnson of Michigan City and Julie (Bob) Rusboldt of Chesterton; five sons, James Downs, Jack (Kristie) Downs, Jerry (Janet) Downs, and Jay Downs, all of Michigan City, and Joel Downs of LaPorte; fourteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Jennifer Zallas, and one brother, Steven Lemons.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gail Kniola and Judith Mills, and by two brothers, David Smith and James Smith.

After many years as a homemaker, Barbara returned to the workforce with Filter Specialists in Michigan City and remained there until she retired. During their winter months in Lady Lake, Fla., she pursued her interest in golf. Barbara enjoyed working with stained glass and oil painting and loved bowling on a weekly league until her health prevented it.

She was a dear, sweet, loving, wife, mother and grandmother who will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Barbara requested that her body be donated to the Indiana University Anatomical Program. Pursuant to her wishes there will be no formal services. The family will have a private memorial at a later date.

Root Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Organization or to the charity of the donor's choice.

 

Posted 2/3/2014