Dorothy "Darlene" Downing passed away at Courtyard Estates in Pleasant Hill, Iowa on Friday, July 28, 2017 at the age of 101. Graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, July 31st at Morrisburg Cemetery, rural Stuart. Memorial contributions may be directed to Darlene Downing Memorial Fund and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.johnstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Darlene was born February 21, 1916 to Chas & Elsie (Clouse) McLuen near Dale City, Iowa. She was baptized in the Morrisburg Church & was a member of the Stuart Congregation Church.
She attended Morrisburg Country School & graduated from Menlo High school in 1934. Upon graduation she worked for an attorney in Stuart.
Darlene married Tom Downing March 28th 1934. They were married for 64 years at Tom's passing in 1998 at age 85. They retired from farming in 1974 & started traveling in their motor home many miles with friends & family. After spending several winters in Fort Meyer Florida they moved to Warsaw, MO. and lived there thirteen years. While there Darlene started painting landscapes & portraits & baking for the senior center shop.
They returned to Stuart Iowa in 1995. Since July of 2011 she has been living in the assisted living facility in Pleasant Hill, IA where she enjoyed all the activities and wonderful staff. She celebrated her 100th birthday party with friends, family, balloons, cake, karaoke music & last but not least dancing with her Great Grandsons.
Darlene's joys in her life was her family, walking (a lot), reading and painting.
Preceding Darlene in death, parents, husband Tom, brothers Kenneth & wife Ethel, Wilbur & wife Peggy and two baby boys at birth.
Left to celebrate her very full life daughter Sharon & husband Eldon Ostrem of Ankeny. Four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, & two great-great grandchildren.
We cannot thank enough the staff at Courtyard Estates for their six years of care & kindness towards mom. She felt it was her home & family.
To plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Darlene Downing, visit the
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31
Jul
2688 Wagon Road
Stuart, IA 50250
2688 Wagon Road
Stuart, IA 50250
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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