April 26, 2024

Virginia Downing, 74, died Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Trinity Manor, Dodge City. 

She was born November 21, 1940 at Spearville, the daughter of Lawrence and Regina (Stegman) Israel. A lifetime area resident, she was a housekeeper at St. Mary of the Plains College and the Women’s Center both in Dodge City. 

She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City. She enjoyed playing dominos and solving crossword puzzles. She loved kids, especially her nephews and nieces. 

On May 11, 1974 she married Larry Downing at Dodge City. He preceded her in death on January 27, 2000. 

Survivors include: 6 sisters, Shirley Schmidt, Spearville, Carol Gaeddert, Hutchinson, Barbara Grantham, Dodge City, Lauray Edwards, Dodge City, Mary Kay Urban and husband Terry, Topeka and Judy Hilker and husband Dave, Cimarron; and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces and great great nephews and nieces. 

She was also preceded in death by her parents. 

Memorial services will be 1:00 pm Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Friends may sign the register from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place. 

The family suggests memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.