Lucy E. Downing

Lucy Edna Downing, 89, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, August 06, 2017, in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

One of nine children born to the late Lloyd and Lucy Gowins Everett, Lucy was born in the family home at Winfield on June 22, 1928.

She was a graduate of New Philadelphia High School’s Class of 1946 and remained an active member and proud Quaker supporter the rest of her life. She enjoyed monthly gatherings with her classmates and any opportunity to socialize with her friends.

On November 28, 1946, Lucy married the love of her life, Kenneth D. Downing.  Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed dancing and playing music. The couple had four children and shared in nearly 65 years of marriage prior to Kenny’s death on November 4, 2011.

Lucy served as the General Manager for LK Motel, later Travelodge at New Philadelphia for 23 years and was one of Tuscarawas County’s largest ambassadors of tourism. Lucy’s successful career in the travel and lodging industry earned her seven consecutive Manager of the Year awards which earned her a place on the President’s Award Committee for community involvement and occupancy volume. Lucy was instrumental in forming the Tuscarawas County Motel Managers Association in 1985 that helped keep open lines of communication between area lodging establishments. She often reminisced about her time in the industry and the opportunities she was afforded during her career; especially the notable celebrities she met while serving the Travelodge.

Lucy was a longtime member of First Church of the Nazarene at New Philadelphia and used her vocation as her ministry. She was a six-year board member of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, a five-year volunteer with the former I-77 Tourist Information Center, a director of United Way of Tuscarawas County, Tuscarawas Philharmonic and a member of the Quaker Foundation. Lucy was a founding member of the Tuscarawas Valley Tourist Association and served on the board of directors for Trumpet in the Land and held a longstanding membership with the New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club.

Finally retiring at age 82, Lucy was never one to sit still. Her outgoing and unique personality allowed her to be the center of attention. Her love for telling and pulling jokes on family and friends, eating out, socializing, and attending Gospel music concerts were among her favorite pastimes. As her family grew she loved being with her grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren as they each held a special place in her heart.

Lucy leaves behind her family that includes two daughters, Kathy (Willard) Skaer and Sherry Ann (Gregory D.) Botkin and ten grandchildren, Melinda (Scott) Batton, Richard Downing, Jason (Maureen) Downing, Charity (Chad) Hockenberry, Hope (Brian) Williams, Natalie (Mark) Stokey, Braden (Courtney) Skaer, Gregory L. (Danielle) Botkin, Alicia (Stephen) Gartrell, and Olivia Botkin.

Completing the family are her siblings, Violet Burgess, Dolly (Ed) Canfield, John (Judy) Everett and Nancy Meechan as well as numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lucy was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sharon Downing; a son, Kenny Downing; and siblings, Lloyd Everett, Charles Everett, Margaret Rankin, and Phillip Everett.

The family will greet guests on Thursday, August 10, 2017 in First Church of the Nazarene at New Philadelphia from 10-11 AM where Pastor Mark Maddux will lead a celebration of Lucy’s life at 11 AM. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services, a meal will be shared in the church social hall.

Memorial contributions in Lucy’s name may be directed to First Church of the Nazarene 233 Fair Avenue NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.