Obituary for Lela M. Downing
Lela M. Downing, age 95, of Onawa, Iowa (formerly of Ute, Iowa), passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2020, at the Elmwood Care Centre of Onawa, Iowa.
Due to state and federal mandated guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the St. Clair Township Cemetery of Ute, Iowa. Pastor Harvey Hanson will officiate. The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ute, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Lela Maxine Downing, the daughter of Harold and Marie (Bumgardner) Straight, was born on April 2, 1925, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up in the Soldier, Iowa, area and received her education from Soldier High School graduating with the class of 1943. After high school Lela moved to Omaha, Nebraska and entered the workforce.
On February 18, 1946, Lela was united in marriage to Robert Downing in Papillion, Nebraska. The couple moved to California and were blessed with two daughters, Lana and Peggy. Lela worked as an in-home caregiver for many years in California as well as in Iowa. Lela and Robert later parted ways and she returned to Iowa to be closer to her daughter who was living in Ute, Iowa.
Lela enjoyed traveling and camping with her motor-home group. She loved to cook, entertain and host dinner parties. Lela was a fun-loving, people person who was just as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory include grandchildren Chris (NuNu) Chapman of Yakima, WA, Kelli (Chad) Melton of Graham, WA, JoDee (Steve) Risinger of Kailua Kona, HI, Sherice (Rick) Dabbs of Madera, CA, Monique (Rick) Ramirez of Carlsbad, CA and Toni (Dave Olson) McAleer of Early, IA; 19 great-grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Colleen (Jeofrey) Lake of Dunlap, IA; son-in-law Nick McAleer of Ute, IA; nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Marie Straight; daughters Lana Chapman and Peggy McAleer; brothers Harvey Straight and Loyd (Eloise) Straight.
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Due to state and federal mandated guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the St. Clair Township Cemetery of Ute, Iowa. Pastor Harvey Hanson will officiate. The Armstrong - Van Houten Funeral Home of Ute, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Lela Maxine Downing, the daughter of Harold and Marie (Bumgardner) Straight, was born on April 2, 1925, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She grew up in the Soldier, Iowa, area and received her education from Soldier High School graduating with the class of 1943. After high school Lela moved to Omaha, Nebraska and entered the workforce.
On February 18, 1946, Lela was united in marriage to Robert Downing in Papillion, Nebraska. The couple moved to California and were blessed with two daughters, Lana and Peggy. Lela worked as an in-home caregiver for many years in California as well as in Iowa. Lela and Robert later parted ways and she returned to Iowa to be closer to her daughter who was living in Ute, Iowa.
Lela enjoyed traveling and camping with her motor-home group. She loved to cook, entertain and host dinner parties. Lela was a fun-loving, people person who was just as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory include grandchildren Chris (NuNu) Chapman of Yakima, WA, Kelli (Chad) Melton of Graham, WA, JoDee (Steve) Risinger of Kailua Kona, HI, Sherice (Rick) Dabbs of Madera, CA, Monique (Rick) Ramirez of Carlsbad, CA and Toni (Dave Olson) McAleer of Early, IA; 19 great-grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Colleen (Jeofrey) Lake of Dunlap, IA; son-in-law Nick McAleer of Ute, IA; nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Marie Straight; daughters Lana Chapman and Peggy McAleer; brothers Harvey Straight and Loyd (Eloise) Straight.
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Clair Cemetery
Ute, IA
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