Eleanor B. Downs, age 86, Merrill, died Saturday, April 28, 2012.
She was born June 1, 1925 in Perry, NY, the daughter of the late Merritt and Olive (Newland) Keppen. Eleanor married her high school sweetheart, Lowell Downs, on Dec. 11, 1945 when he returned home from serving in WWII. They were married for 66 years. He survives.
Eleanor graduated from high school in Hornell, NY. She and her husband lived in the Chicago area for over 30 years and in Arkansas for over 25 years. She worked as a nurse most of her life in Illinois and Arkansas. She retired in 1989. In 2002, she and Lowell moved to the Merrill area. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Eleanor served as a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program in Merrill. She was involved in many garden clubs during her life and enjoyed quilting and all types of crafting hobbies.
She is survived by her husband, Lowell of Merrill; her children, Michael (Pam) of SanJose, CA, John (Helen) of Merrill, Tom of Springdale, AR and Karen Weiss of Toledo, OH. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Leonard (Crystal) Downs, John Downs, Kate and Nate Huggs; along with 2 great-grandchildren, Devon and Niya Downs.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Maureen Elizabeth Warner.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in the Bluff Cemetery in Springdale, AR.
The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.