Irene Elizabeth Downing

Irene Elizabeth Downing, age 84, of Fairfield, passed away at Jefferson County Hospital on Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Funeral services were held at 10:30 A.M. Friday Dec. 22, 2006 at Behner Funeral Home with Rev. Phil Campbell officiating. Burial was in Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.

Memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary, or ARC of Jefferson County.

Cards and memorials may be sent c/o:
1202 Glenview Circle
Fairfield, IA 52556

Irene Elizabeth Downing was born December 29, 1921 in Birmingham, IA, the daughter of Frederick and Sarah Elizabeth (Crafton) Reidel. Her childhood was spent in Bentonsport and Birmingham. She was united in marriage with Orville "Lester" Downing on September 8, 1938 in Kahoka, MO. They were the parents of four children: Carolyn, Janet, Victor and James. Orville "Lester" Downing passed away September 16, 1974.

Irene was a devoted wife and mother. She was employed at Universal Producing, Fairfield Laundry and Dry Cleaners, and Nelson's Nursing Home. She enjoyed spending time with her family and participating in family activities.

Surviving Irene are her children and their families: Carolyn Talley of Fairfield, Janet (Harold) Bitner of Syracuse, IN, Victor (Cleone) Downing of Wheatfield, IN, and James (Barbara) Downing of Fairfield, IA. Irene has ten grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include two sisters: Pearl Anderson of Fairfield, and Ruth Eastin of Farmington.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Orville "Lester" Downing, and six siblings: Leo, Harold and Clarence Riedel, Hazel Cass, Helen Huff, and Ethel Pasternock.