Dorothy Mae (Holmes) Downs

Dorothy Mae Downs,103, of Taylorville, formerly of Nokomis, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Taylorville.

A visitation for Mrs. Downs will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10-11 AM at Stiehl Dawson Funeral Home; 200 E. State Street; Nokomis, IL. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM with Reverend Brian Johnston officiating and burial will follow at Nokomis Cemetery.

Dorothy Mae Downs was born March 17, 1921, in Nokomis Township to Ralph and Olive (Sanders) Holmes. She was a graduate of Nokomis High School with the Class of 1939. Dorothy and William T. Downs were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on November 16, 1941,and they enjoyed over 56 years of marriage before his passing on February 10, 1998. 

Dorothy began her working career at Nokomis Grain Elevator before her marriage to Bill. She was active during her and Bill’s time on their farm.  Most importantly they raised their two daughters, Norma and Martha there.  She raised chickens, gardened, canned fruits and vegetables and worked hand in hand in the daily farming chores. She sewed beautifully, making many of her daughter’s clothes and teaching them to sew.  She later started quilting, creating many beautiful quilts.  Dorothy was continually active at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Nokomis.  She was a member of Evening Circle, was a council member and officer many times. She was always ready to help the church whenever anyone called with a need.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Norma Jean (Ray) Reck of Cerro Gordo and Martha J. (Dan) Nantkes of Lake Ozark, Mo; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and her sister, Jean Herzog of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mildred Dixon, Janelda Hill, and Rosalie Johnson.

Memorials are suggested by her family to Trinity Lutheran Church; 1010 N. Webster St; Taylorville, IL  62568

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