Beverly Downing

Beverly B. Downing, 90, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at her home in Findlay.

Bev was born December 27, 1933, to Harry J. Smith and Sarah M. (Reed) Smith in Galion. She had a brother, James L. Smith who died in 1935 at 4 years of age; and sister, Shirley M. (Smith) Vaughn who predeceased her in 2007. Beverly grew up in Martel and graduated in a class of eight students from high school there in 1953 where she was class president. She married James Downing, Sr. in 1957, and they divorced in 1982. They lived many years in Bucyrus where Jim was an agent for State Farm Insurance Company.

Bev was a remarkable lady, less than 5 feet tall, and sometimes more sassy than sweet. Grandma Bev loved her family fiercely. She was a breast cancer survivor. She played tennis in her younger years and was an avid fan of the sport, often watching the Opens on TV for hours at a time. John Wayne movies, word searches and jigsaw puzzles kept her entertained in her recent years, as well as soaking up the sun in her She Shed in warm weather. Her granddaughter, Kate, surprised her with a fur baby companion Molly, a mixed breed terrier, about 12 years ago, and they went on many adventures together.

Bev had wonderful neighbors who watched out for her, maintained close bonds with her, and tried to keep her out of trouble. They even threw a surprise 90th birthday party for her this past December.

Beverly is survived by two sons, James M. (Laurie) Downing, Jr, and Robert J. (Amy) Downing, both of Findlay. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Justin (Sarah) Downing, Katie Downing, Charles (Tiffany) Downing, McClain (Danielle Bliss) Downing, Nicholas (Meg) Downing, Nathan (Bri Morris) Downing; Jennifer (Matt) Mikel, Michael (Jordan Etzel) Mastro; great-grandchildren, Brody Vilaysack, Jackson Vilaysack, Asher Mikel, Oliver Downing, and week-old baby Julian Mikel. Bev was also a special aunt to David (Susan) Vaughn, Debra (Terry) Kightlinger, and Vickie (Douglas) Clements (deceased).

Friends and family may visit Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500). The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with interment at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Bev to Cancer Patient Services.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.