Elizabeth “Betty” L. Downing, 90
Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Downing, 90, of Austin died on Feb. 18, 2009 at Residence in Austin.
She was born May 20, 1918 in Waterloo, Iowa to Lester and Charlotte (Lichtenberger) Crowell. Betty was married to Roger L. Downing on Nov. 28, 1940 at the First United Methodist Church in Mason City, Iowa. The Downing’s moved to Austin in 1950 where Roger practiced dentistry. Betty was a member of the First Congregational Church where she was an active member of the Women’s Fellowship and the church choir. She played with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the Symphony Study Group. She was a member of the Y Matrons, Lady’s Floral Club and enjoyed playing bridge, and belonged to several bridge clubs.
 Elizabeth (Betty) is survived by her  daughters, Barbara (Peter) Thorsell, Merced, Calif., Deanna (Dave)  Ofstedahl, Austin;  sons, Roger, Jr. (Dorothy)  Downing, Chanhassen, Minn., Robert (Patty)  Downing, Oregon, Wis.; son-in-law, Nolan  Smith, Tucson, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Roger Downing and two daughters, Carol and Betty Jo.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at First Congregational Church with the Reverend Lev Reynolds officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. The family prefers memorials to the donor’s choice.