Betty B. Downey
Betty B. Downey, 82 passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016 in the Miller’s Merry Manor
nursing home surrounded by her family.
Betty was born Feb. 13, 1934 in Crofton, Ky. She graduated from Culver High school class of 1951, while under the care of J. Dick and Marie Newman of Culver. Betty continued her education at Gary Methodist Hospital, graduating in 1953 with a nursing degree. Betty married the love of her life, Ronald R. Downey on April 15, 1956 in a ceremony at the Methodist church in Culver.
She worked as a nurse for many years at Gary Methodist hospital, Plymouth Community schools as a school nurse and at the Plymouth Parkview Hospital. Although, she enjoyed her career, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She was super involved with the kids swimming. She was often the “Mom taxi “for not just her three kids, but many others getting to the swimming competitions all over Indiana.
She enjoyed sewing, making Raggedy Ann dolls for the grandkids; she also contributed many of the dolls to the First United Methodist church for their fundraiser. She even made a leisure suit. She loved to cook and bake and spending time crafting. Betty also enjoyed visiting Indiana State Parks with her family. She was a member of Tri Kappa of Plymouth and the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth. Betty also served on the AAU Swimming board based out of Indianapolis.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ronald R. Downey, Plymouth; sons: Craig and Tina Downey, Plymouth; Eric and Yvette Downey, Plymouth; daughter, Leah and Kirk Abendroth, Vincennes; also surviving are her five grandchildren: Adam Downey, Evan Downey, Kelcie Downey, Valerie Abendroth and Mark Abendroth.
The Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Downey family. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 in the Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 West Madison Street Plymouth, IN 46563 with Pastor Toni Carmer officiating. Cremation will take place.
A time of visiting with the Downey family will be held in the Van Gilder Funeral Home from 11-1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12.
The Downey family requests memorial contributions in honor of Betty are made to the First United Methodist Church.