Mary Ann Downing

Mary Ann Downing, 90, of Sherrodsville, went home to be with her Heavenly Father, Saturday morning, November 28, 2015 in Union Hospital following complications from surgery.

Born in Magnolia on March 27, 1925, she was the daughter of the late James and Helen (Muircroft) Henderson. After graduating from high school, Mary Ann married her beloved John Christie Downing on August 27, 1942. He preceded her in passing on December 10, 1980.

Her professional career spanned many years where she worked as a licensed practical nurse for the former Maxwell Nursing Home, then Snyder Manufacturing, and ultimately employed at Puritan Laundry.

Mary Ann’s faith was nurtured for 60 years at Roxford United Methodist Church where she was an active prayer warrior and helped in any way needed. One of her fondest memories was traveling multiple times to Israel with the late Rev. A.J. Johnson and numerous traveling companions.

Mary Ann lived on the family farm where she spent many hours raising and preserving food for the family. She was also a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed her time with her large family.

She will be deeply missed by her children including Mary Jane (Earl, Sr.) Walker, Harold “Bud” (Colleen) Downing, Richard Downing, Linda (Robert, Sr.) Armstrong, James (Rose) Downing, Carl (Nancy) Downing, and Paul (Janie) Downing; her adopted daughter, Jennifer (Rich) Rausch; her step-children, Ruth Ann DeRush, Shirley Gallagher, and Janet Watson; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Springer; her son, David Downing; her step-son, John F. (Nancy) Downing; her daughter-in-law, Vickie Downing; her son-in-law, LaVern DeRush; 2 brothers and 7 sisters.

Visitation will be held Tuesday in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Rev. Ron Heasley will officiate a service celebrating Mary Ann’s life in Roxford United Methodist Church beginning at 10:30 on Wednesday, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Roxford Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mary Ann’s memory may be directed to Roxford United Methodist Church, 771 Roxford Church Rd. SE, Dennison 44621.