Ruth Effie Downey
October 22, 1929 - September 29, 2016
Obituary
Ruth Effie (Foster) Downey passed into eternal joy on September 29, 2016.
She is reunited with her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Donald Elery Downey. Ruth was born on October 22, 1929, in Santa Monica to parents Fred and Ann Foster.
When Ruth was a child, her parents moved the family to Ventura County. She attended Hueneme and Montalvo Elementary Schools, Ventura Junior High School, Ventura Senior High School (Class of 1947), and Ventura Junior College. She was a rock-solid and loyal fan to Ventura High and Ventura College for the rest of her days.
Ruth and Don were married in 1949 at the First United Methodist Church on Santa Clara Street in Ventura. They remained active in that church until their deaths.
Ruth and Don had two Sons. Darrell was born in 1950 and Dennis was born in 1953. Both sons excelled at sports and were very active on community and school teams. Therefore Ruth and Don were very active in community and school sports. She and Don never missed a game Darrell or Dennis played in. They were loyal supporters even after her boys left for college. They were active also in Little League, and VYBA.
In her sons' classrooms, Ruth was a room mother and was a Den Mother for the cub scouts. She was very proud of her husband and sons and they were proud of her.
Ruth began her working life soon after she and Don were married as a secretary at County Stationers in downtown Ventura. She later was a secretary at Saticoy Elementary, Balboa Middle School, and finished her career at Ventura High School, retiring after 21 years.
It was rare for her to go out without one of the former students recognizing her and coming over with a "Remember me?"
When they were younger, Ruth and Don bowled once a week on the Avenue Hardware team. But in retirement she took up golf. As usual, she prepared by taking lessons and learning everything about the game. She golfed weekly with friends in the Saticoy Regional Women's Golf Club. Ruth was also a member of the San Buenaventura Women's Club and participated in the bridge groups.
She was a life member and past president for the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers. She began in 1986 and was at her post until she physically couldn't go any more. So she had the new president come to her house to go over paperwork. Ruth was diligent and organized to the core. She didn't want to leave any work undone.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ann Foster, her beloved husband Donald E. Downey, and many dear loved ones in the Downey, Probasco, and Foster families.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen (Carl) Lauber and Dorothy Catlett, both of Washington State; sons, Darrell of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Dennis of Ventura; grandchildren Josh, Brandon, Chloe, and Daisy of Washington State; great-grandchildren, Talyer, Caleb, and Emma , all of Washington; sister-in-law, Millie Downey, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dan Kaplan, Lupe, and Amy, of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, for their invaluable help and support during Ruth's last days.
Ruth will be laid to rest with her family at a graveside service on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00 AM, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
The Reverend Charles Simmons will officiate at the service. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 3801 Market Street, Ventura.
Flowers may be delivered to Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Livingston Memorial VNA, The American Cancer Association, or to Ventura First United Methodist Church.
Ruth was a very private person. She kept the severity of her illness hidden as long as she could and left this world on her terms. Go with God, Ruth.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com
Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura
October 22, 1929 - September 29, 2016
Obituary
Ruth Effie (Foster) Downey passed into eternal joy on September 29, 2016.
She is reunited with her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Donald Elery Downey. Ruth was born on October 22, 1929, in Santa Monica to parents Fred and Ann Foster.
When Ruth was a child, her parents moved the family to Ventura County. She attended Hueneme and Montalvo Elementary Schools, Ventura Junior High School, Ventura Senior High School (Class of 1947), and Ventura Junior College. She was a rock-solid and loyal fan to Ventura High and Ventura College for the rest of her days.
Ruth and Don were married in 1949 at the First United Methodist Church on Santa Clara Street in Ventura. They remained active in that church until their deaths.
Ruth and Don had two Sons. Darrell was born in 1950 and Dennis was born in 1953. Both sons excelled at sports and were very active on community and school teams. Therefore Ruth and Don were very active in community and school sports. She and Don never missed a game Darrell or Dennis played in. They were loyal supporters even after her boys left for college. They were active also in Little League, and VYBA.
In her sons' classrooms, Ruth was a room mother and was a Den Mother for the cub scouts. She was very proud of her husband and sons and they were proud of her.
Ruth began her working life soon after she and Don were married as a secretary at County Stationers in downtown Ventura. She later was a secretary at Saticoy Elementary, Balboa Middle School, and finished her career at Ventura High School, retiring after 21 years.
It was rare for her to go out without one of the former students recognizing her and coming over with a "Remember me?"
When they were younger, Ruth and Don bowled once a week on the Avenue Hardware team. But in retirement she took up golf. As usual, she prepared by taking lessons and learning everything about the game. She golfed weekly with friends in the Saticoy Regional Women's Golf Club. Ruth was also a member of the San Buenaventura Women's Club and participated in the bridge groups.
She was a life member and past president for the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers. She began in 1986 and was at her post until she physically couldn't go any more. So she had the new president come to her house to go over paperwork. Ruth was diligent and organized to the core. She didn't want to leave any work undone.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ann Foster, her beloved husband Donald E. Downey, and many dear loved ones in the Downey, Probasco, and Foster families.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen (Carl) Lauber and Dorothy Catlett, both of Washington State; sons, Darrell of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Dennis of Ventura; grandchildren Josh, Brandon, Chloe, and Daisy of Washington State; great-grandchildren, Talyer, Caleb, and Emma , all of Washington; sister-in-law, Millie Downey, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dan Kaplan, Lupe, and Amy, of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, for their invaluable help and support during Ruth's last days.
Ruth will be laid to rest with her family at a graveside service on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00 AM, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
The Reverend Charles Simmons will officiate at the service. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 3801 Market Street, Ventura.
Flowers may be delivered to Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Livingston Memorial VNA, The American Cancer Association, or to Ventura First United Methodist Church.
Ruth was a very private person. She kept the severity of her illness hidden as long as she could and left this world on her terms. Go with God, Ruth.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com
Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura
Ruth Effie Downey
October 22, 1929 - September 29, 2016
Obituary
Ruth Effie (Foster) Downey passed into eternal joy on September 29, 2016.
She is reunited with her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Donald Elery Downey. Ruth was born on October 22, 1929, in Santa Monica to parents Fred and Ann Foster.
When Ruth was a child, her parents moved the family to Ventura County. She attended Hueneme and Montalvo Elementary Schools, Ventura Junior High School, Ventura Senior High School (Class of 1947), and Ventura Junior College. She was a rock-solid and loyal fan to Ventura High and Ventura College for the rest of her days.
Ruth and Don were married in 1949 at the First United Methodist Church on Santa Clara Street in Ventura. They remained active in that church until their deaths.
Ruth and Don had two Sons. Darrell was born in 1950 and Dennis was born in 1953. Both sons excelled at sports and were very active on community and school teams. Therefore Ruth and Don were very active in community and school sports. She and Don never missed a game Darrell or Dennis played in. They were loyal supporters even after her boys left for college. They were active also in Little League, and VYBA.
In her sons' classrooms, Ruth was a room mother and was a Den Mother for the cub scouts. She was very proud of her husband and sons and they were proud of her.
Ruth began her working life soon after she and Don were married as a secretary at County Stationers in downtown Ventura. She later was a secretary at Saticoy Elementary, Balboa Middle School, and finished her career at Ventura High School, retiring after 21 years.
It was rare for her to go out without one of the former students recognizing her and coming over with a "Remember me?"
When they were younger, Ruth and Don bowled once a week on the Avenue Hardware team. But in retirement she took up golf. As usual, she prepared by taking lessons and learning everything about the game. She golfed weekly with friends in the Saticoy Regional Women's Golf Club. Ruth was also a member of the San Buenaventura Women's Club and participated in the bridge groups.
She was a life member and past president for the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers. She began in 1986 and was at her post until she physically couldn't go any more. So she had the new president come to her house to go over paperwork. Ruth was diligent and organized to the core. She didn't want to leave any work undone.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ann Foster, her beloved husband Donald E. Downey, and many dear loved ones in the Downey, Probasco, and Foster families.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen (Carl) Lauber and Dorothy Catlett, both of Washington State; sons, Darrell of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Dennis of Ventura; grandchildren Josh, Brandon, Chloe, and Daisy of Washington State; great-grandchildren, Talyer, Caleb, and Emma , all of Washington; sister-in-law, Millie Downey, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dan Kaplan, Lupe, and Amy, of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, for their invaluable help and support during Ruth's last days.
Ruth will be laid to rest with her family at a graveside service on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00 AM, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
The Reverend Charles Simmons will officiate at the service. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 3801 Market Street, Ventura.
Flowers may be delivered to Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Livingston Memorial VNA, The American Cancer Association, or to Ventura First United Methodist Church.
Ruth was a very private person. She kept the severity of her illness hidden as long as she could and left this world on her terms. Go with God, Ruth.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com
Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura
October 22, 1929 - September 29, 2016
Obituary
Ruth Effie (Foster) Downey passed into eternal joy on September 29, 2016.
She is reunited with her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Donald Elery Downey. Ruth was born on October 22, 1929, in Santa Monica to parents Fred and Ann Foster.
When Ruth was a child, her parents moved the family to Ventura County. She attended Hueneme and Montalvo Elementary Schools, Ventura Junior High School, Ventura Senior High School (Class of 1947), and Ventura Junior College. She was a rock-solid and loyal fan to Ventura High and Ventura College for the rest of her days.
Ruth and Don were married in 1949 at the First United Methodist Church on Santa Clara Street in Ventura. They remained active in that church until their deaths.
Ruth and Don had two Sons. Darrell was born in 1950 and Dennis was born in 1953. Both sons excelled at sports and were very active on community and school teams. Therefore Ruth and Don were very active in community and school sports. She and Don never missed a game Darrell or Dennis played in. They were loyal supporters even after her boys left for college. They were active also in Little League, and VYBA.
In her sons' classrooms, Ruth was a room mother and was a Den Mother for the cub scouts. She was very proud of her husband and sons and they were proud of her.
Ruth began her working life soon after she and Don were married as a secretary at County Stationers in downtown Ventura. She later was a secretary at Saticoy Elementary, Balboa Middle School, and finished her career at Ventura High School, retiring after 21 years.
It was rare for her to go out without one of the former students recognizing her and coming over with a "Remember me?"
When they were younger, Ruth and Don bowled once a week on the Avenue Hardware team. But in retirement she took up golf. As usual, she prepared by taking lessons and learning everything about the game. She golfed weekly with friends in the Saticoy Regional Women's Golf Club. Ruth was also a member of the San Buenaventura Women's Club and participated in the bridge groups.
She was a life member and past president for the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers. She began in 1986 and was at her post until she physically couldn't go any more. So she had the new president come to her house to go over paperwork. Ruth was diligent and organized to the core. She didn't want to leave any work undone.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ann Foster, her beloved husband Donald E. Downey, and many dear loved ones in the Downey, Probasco, and Foster families.
She is survived by her sisters, Helen (Carl) Lauber and Dorothy Catlett, both of Washington State; sons, Darrell of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Dennis of Ventura; grandchildren Josh, Brandon, Chloe, and Daisy of Washington State; great-grandchildren, Talyer, Caleb, and Emma , all of Washington; sister-in-law, Millie Downey, and many well-loved nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Dan Kaplan, Lupe, and Amy, of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, for their invaluable help and support during Ruth's last days.
Ruth will be laid to rest with her family at a graveside service on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 11:00 AM, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
The Reverend Charles Simmons will officiate at the service. A reception will follow at the VFW Hall, 3801 Market Street, Ventura.
Flowers may be delivered to Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
Donations in Ruth's memory may be made to Livingston Memorial VNA, The American Cancer Association, or to Ventura First United Methodist Church.
Ruth was a very private person. She kept the severity of her illness hidden as long as she could and left this world on her terms. Go with God, Ruth.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com
Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura
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