Ethel Dowden

On February 27, 2008 Ethel Marie Dowden died peacefully at the age of 99, with her loving family by her side. Mrs. Dowden was born November 15, 1908 in Liberty, Kansas to Albert and Ella Eikenberry DeTar. She grew up and graduated from Coffeyville High School in 1927. On January 5, 1932, she married Bert Dowden in Bentonville, Arkansas. They celebrated 53 years of marriage. Her love was living on the farm in Coffeyville. Fishing, gardening, and cooking were among her favorites along with the outdoors. Throughout her life she was active in many activities. She spent many of her years involved in her church. This included serving as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendant and Sunday School teacher. Many years were spent as a Pink Lady for the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Auxillary and served as President during some of those years. She was a member of Eastern Star and a Worthy Matron. Ethel enjoyed making needlework, quilting, and crafts for family and friends. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and great grandmother. She devoted her life to God and her family. She touched many lives with her warmth and gracious heart. She will be loved and missed by her family and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1985, parents and sister, Mildred. She is survived by her son Bill and his wife Marion of Lenexa, Kansas; sister, Grace Talkington, of Dallas, Texas; Ethel was blessed with two loving granddaughters, Jennifer Strouse and husband Mike of Olathe, Kansas; and Tami Rockey and husband Dave of Overland Park, Kansas; neices and nephews. Ethel leaves 6 great grandchildren who will forever cherish their memory of Grammy Ethel. Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at First Baptist Church. Friends may call before the memorial service on Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. at the church. The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville in care of the funeral home. The family gives grateful appreciation to her dedicated caregivers. She will be remembered always.