Barbara Jean Downing

Barbara J. Downing , age 86, of Akron and Sebewaing, our loving, kind, generous and courageous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, entered heaven's gates on September 19, 2020. She was a woman of great faith and love, who always put the needs of others before her own.

Barbara was born December 3, 1933 to the late Ruben and Minnie Harrington of Akron. She graduated from Akron High School in 1951 and went to work for the Tuscola County Advertiser as a "proofer". She also worked as the secretary for the Akron School Superintendent (Quint Cramer) and the School Board. On August 14, 1954, she married Dennis Downing and moved to North Carolina (Fort Brag) where Dennis was stationed in the Army. There she worked for an attorney's office and was a secretary for the Air Force. After returning to Michigan, she also worked for the Akron-Fairgrove School District as a Title I remedial reading aide with three of her friends, Marylou Fischer, Minnie Monville and Elaine LaHare.

Upon returning to Akron after their military time, she and Dennis along with Buzz and Betty Downing, operated Downing Brother's Farms, and then owned and operated DEN-BAR Farms in Akron from 1982-1998. She spent many a day topping beets, hoeing, chopping corn stalks (her favorite job) and delivering meals to the field. Dennis passed away on November 16, 1998.

Barbara was a lifelong member of the Akron Methodist Church (74 years), where she served as church treasurer and board member for many years. She was an active participant in the church's fundraising dinners (where she made the best gravy), as well as the "Marathon Apple Pie Making Team", cranking out 1000+ pies each fall. She was the pie "crimper" and provided her signature trademark for the top crust that nobody could replicate!

Barbara was a great cook (known for her baked beans), enjoyed watching her grandsons play USA sports, winters in Florida and summers at the lake house in Port Austin with Dennis, helping out at Medallion Village, reading cooking magazines and experimenting with recipes. She liked fishing but didn't care to eat them, looked forward to her Colorado trips to see the great grandchildren, and loved shopping.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Dianna (Jim) Schafer of Castle Rock, Colorado (formerly of Unionville) and son, Tim Downing of Sebewaing; grandchildren: Adam (Danielle) Schafer and Mark Schafer both of Castle Rock, Colorado and Loxely Downing of England/United Kingdom; great grandchildren: Dennis Schafer, Peyton and Morris Schafer, Lilli and Jaxin Mercer; sisters-in-law: Emily Harrington of Reese and Betty Downing of Bay City; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Donna Rayl and Linda Zechmeister. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Arlene Ruppal, Silvia Ruppal, Marion Lenhard, Wayne and John Harrington.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, a private graveside service will be held for immediate and extended family at the Demorest Cemetery in Akron Twp. Memorial contributions to consider are Medallion Village Hospice and the Sanilac County Child Advocacy Center.