Elizabeth S. Downing

Elizabeth S. "Betty" Downing of Washington passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 in Presbyterian Senior Care at Southmont. She was born on July 24, 1923 in Volant, PA, the daughter of the late Edith M. And Francis P. Simpson. A graduate of Eastbrook High School in Eastbrook, PA, she was also a graduate of Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. A homemaker, Mrs. Downing was previously employed as a legal secretary to a law firm in Washington, DC from 1945 to 1948. On November 2, 1944 she married Merritt Downing of Eastbrook, PA. They were married for 65 years until his passing on April 4, 2009. An avid golfer, she was a member of Nemacolin Country Club and Lone Pine Country Club. She was a member of The Washington Hospital Auxiliary. A sports fan, she enjoyed attending or watching Pirate and Steeler ball games. She was a member of the Church of the Covenant from 1965 until her passing, where she enjoyed singing in the Choir and the community of Faith. She is survived by her two sons, David (Tana) Downing of Marietta, Ohio, and Paul Downing of New Freeport, PA; a daughter Susan (Dan) Laney of Columbus, Ohio; and four grandchildren, Matthew Downing and Jennifer Downing of Marietta, Ohio and David Laney and Marrett Laney of Columbus, Ohio. Friends will be received Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the time of service at William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington with the Reverend Dr. Stuart D. Broberg officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Covenant.