Edith May Downs

Edith May Downs, age 80, of Baltic, Ohio, went to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Born in Phoenix, Arizona on February 16, 1945, Edith was one of 13 children, a daughter of the late Simmie and Maude Starnes Tapley. 

Edith led a deep and devoted life as a Christian woman and lived the teachings of Christ in her everyday life as an individual who gave to anyone she encountered unconditionally. She lived the principle of seeking God’s will in every aspect of her life. 

Her home was an open door to anyone in need of a place to stay or a fresh cooked meal. She would often host holiday gatherings and invite guests she barely knew into her home if they did not have a family to be with. She lived a simple life and enjoyed collecting cherished mementos that had special meaning and reminded her of her family. 

Having raised nine children, Edith understood the meaning of the word grace and through the years did her best to exemplify its definition. While caring for her own children, she also cared for many other children. Ultimately, through her home, the schools, her church, and daycare, she spent her entire adult life caring for children. She was known for her cooking and baking skills and her ability to turn out hundreds of holiday cookies, which she lovingly mailed to family every Christmas season. 

She will be missed by her children, Jeff Porter, Michael Jay Porter, Paul (Candy) Downs, Jessica Downs, Susan (Timothy) Porter-Green, Robin (Matt) Thacker, Michael (Chevy) Downs, Stephen (Brandi) Downs, and David (Laura) Downs; 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; her siblings, Naomi, Ruth, Lewis, Joel, Evagene, Phillip, and Stephen and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother and father, Edith was preceded in death by Grace, David, Buddy, Robert, and Joseph. 

In keeping with Edith’s wishes cremation care has been conducted. The family will be gathering near her hometown in Arizona at a later date where they will celebrate her life. The Geib Funeral Center at Dover is handling arrangements.