Mary Downard, 1930~2017
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Mary Downard, 1930~2017
Mary Downard, 1930~2017
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Our dear sweet mother Mary Lee Downard peacefully left this world on Dec. 27, 2017, six days before her 88th birthday.

She was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 2, 1930 to Johnnie and Virginia Johnson. She grew up in Moab with three sisters, Dorothy Jane, Ginger Rae and Kathleen Kae. They went on many trips with their dad selling fruit. She loved picking strawberries. She married Robert Downard during their senior trip on April 9, 1948 in Littleton, Colo. They were married 68 years and have eight children: John (Debbie) Downard, Parowan, Utah; Robbin Snow, Castle Dale, Utah; Vicki Lowrey, Castle Dale, Utah; Linda (Rex) Moore, Eureka, Nev.; Merri (Gail) Gordon, Caldwell, Idaho; Rebecca (Richard) Dziuk, Delta, Utah; Cecilia (Scott) Sheehan, Bloomfield, Colo., and Joe Downard, Moab.

Mary graduated from Grand County High School in 1948. She always wanted to just be a mom and raise her children. She loved collecting beautiful things and has an extensive collection of Madame Alexander dolls. She loved shopping, especially for Christmas trees, ornaments and villages. Mom had an eye for decorating and loved the antique bar her father gave her. She had many talents. Mom was a good cook and a wonderful seamstress who made many Halloween costumes for her children. She enjoyed bowling, hiking with her good friend, Naomi, and shopping with her children. Mom also loved watching the Utah Jazz and the Colorado Rockies and went to many of their games. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mom loved her home and never wanted to leave it. She will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; father and mother; sister Dorothy; two brothers-in-law; daughters-in law Stacey Downard and Donna Downard; and four grandchildren. She is survived by her children, 28 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two sisters, and brother-in-law Richard Downard.

A graveside service was held Saturday, Dec. 30 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

You may send condolences to the family at www.spanishvalleymortuary.com

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