Laura Marcella Downey of Ridgway
Laura Marcella Downey, age 98 and a native of Ridgway, passed away on Sept. 2, 2020 in the Eldorado Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Laura was born on Aug. 16, 1922 in Ridgway, the third child of Bertis and Effie (Moye) Smith.
She was an active member of the Ridgway Methodist Church and her faith was an important part of her life. Laura attended the New Market School as a child and then Ridgway High School. She was the majorette in the RHS Marching Band, and she also participated in the orchestra and band. Laura graduated high school in 1940 and continued post graduate courses through 1941.
She began dating Leon E. Downey upon his return from serving in World War II and they married on May 12, 1946 at her beloved church. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage before Leon passed on June 9, 2013.
Leon and Laura Downey worked together farming and in later years, Laura worked outside of the home for the Department of Public Aid and at the ASCS office.
On Nov. 4, 1968 their second daughter, Sue Ann Downey, was born. Laura and Leon devoted their lives to raising and taking care of her. Laura was a devoted caretaker to her daughter, her husband, her parents and her sister, Violet Murray and her husband, Ward. She was always there to nurse them when they were ill and to take care of their needs.
Laura provided a beautiful home for her family and was an excellent cook. She was a good friend and enjoyed lifelong friendships with many, including the "Ladies of the Round Table" at the drugstore in Ridgway. Laura was an avid bridge player and played in several groups for many years.
Laura was a beautiful person inside and out, strong in her determination and character, and never afraid to speak up for herself, her family and her friends. Laura was a good wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, Roger Downey of Loami.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughters, Angela and Sue Ann; her brother, Charles Smith and his wife, Norma; her sister, Violet Murray and her husband, Ward; and her sister, Louise Rollman.
Visitation for Laura will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in the Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and masks will be necessary.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Jackson Cemetery in her memory. You may also leave a note of comfort for the family at www.coxandson.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Laura Marcella (Smith) Downey, visit the floral store at www.coxandson.com.