Mary M. Downing

Mary M. Downing of Emporia died on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at her home.  She was 91.

Mary was born on April 27, 1931 in Carrollton, Missouri the daughter of Maurice G. and Marie Anderson Mills.  She married George L. Downing on May 1, 1954 in San Diego, California.  He survives.

Surviving family members include: husband, George L. Downing of the home; sons, George M. (Annie) Downing of Rose Hill, Kansas and John R. (Debbie) Downing of Olathe, Kansas; daughter, Lynn Marie Hobson of Emporia; grandchildren, Rick (Alexa) Hobson, Tess Hobson, Paige (Nate) Mitchell, Haley (Nelson) Ramirez, and Zach (Sarah) Downing; great-grandson Xander Hobson; sister, Elaine Mills Swank of Kansas City, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Eleanor Mills and Ann McGlaughlin, several nieces , nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Bob Mills.

Mary was a loving and committed wife, mother and grandmom. She valued her family and education above all else.  Her daily life was a demonstration of the values she held dear.  In addition to being an inspiring role model for her children, her grandchildren were fortunate to have her spirit and wisdom influence their lives as well.

During her years at Emporia State University, Mary touched the lives of many college students.  She served as the dedicated Advisor to the Associated Student Government, the National Panhellenic Sorority Chapters, the Interfraternity Council, and the Special Events Board.

Mary was an avid supporter of the Lady Hornets Basketball, as well as many other Hornet sports teams. Mary was also a voracious reader, had a passion and talent for playing tennis, loved flowers, and enjoyed traveling internationally and within the United States.

Mary had several community involvements, such as book clubs, bridge club, Faculty Wives of ESU, Plumb Place Board of Directors member, CASA volunteer, Docent volunteer at David Traylor Zoo and The Howe House, as well as a member of League of Women Voters.

Mary’s wishes were to bequeath her body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine with a celebration of life at a later date.  Mary loved the Emporia Symphony Orchestra. In her memory the family requests memorial donations be made to ESU’s Emporia Symphony Orchestra Prelude Scholarship, which was established by Mary and George several years ago.  Donations can be mailed to the ESU Foundation at 1500 Highland Street, Emporia, KS 66801.