Our beloved mother, grandmother and wife, Naomi Mae Downing, 96, of Greenview, died at 6:10 am, Friday, September 9, 2011 at Memorial Medical Center. She was born February 24, 1915 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Karl M. and Emma Jane Olinger Conner. She married Kenneth Robert Downing in 1934 and he preceded her in death in 1970.
Her parents, Karl and Emma Jane, one brother, Earl Conner, one sister, Bethel Robertson and one granddaughter, Kara Sue Kilby who died in 1973 also preceded her in death.
Survivors include one daughter, Karen (Dr. John) Apostol of Springfield and Medford, OR; one son, Dr. Karl Downing of Greenview; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren; one sister Mary Ellen (Allan) Jackson of Kankakee; one sister-in-law, Marjorie Conner of Portland, OR, seven nieces, four nephews and several cousins.
She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church where she served as Superintendent of Sunday School, Director of Bible School and as a Deacon and Elder. She was a Girl Scout Leader.
Naomi was Director of Inter Library Loans for Lincoln Library and retired in 1985. She will be missed by all and forever in our hearts.
Graveside Service: 1 pm, Monday, September 12, 2011 at Troy Cemetery in Troy, IA.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Lincoln Library.
Chatham Memorial Cemetery
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Springfield
Springfield
1109 South Fifth Street
Springfield, IL 62703
Sherman
2626 East Andrew Road
Sherman, IL 62684
Betty Jane Tatman Carby posted on 9/16/11
My dear hustle bustle brisk Aunt Naomi leaves me with many family memories! How we loved to tease in order to experience the wrath of her flashing eyes and sharp tongue. I'm so glad for all the fun years we had with the entire Downing family. God bless you all as you miss this very special person, my own Aunt Naomi! Love, Betts