Letha Lowdon

Letha Lowdon, 98, was born Oct. 22, 1922, a longtime resident of Downs. She died Nov. 26, 2020.

Christ was the foundation of her life. She was a member of the Downs Christian Church and active in numerous church activities.

Letha graduated from Kansas State University and taught home economics in Downs, Russell and the Beloit Girls Industrial School. She started a home economics class for boys in Downs and is remembered by students for the skills learned. Letha was a founding member of the Downs Extension Homemakers Unit (EHU).

On Sept. 4,1947, she married Burnell. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary hosting a community open house. Often, they would reminisce about the joy of being able to share it with so many friends in the community. Letha and Burnell went on to share 62 wedding anniversaries together.

Letha was an avid gardener and she particularly enjoyed salmon fishing trips to Alaska with Burnell.

Letha and Burnell were passionate about farming. Letha received the Kansas Bankers Award for her progressive soil conservation practices on her farm in Jewell County. For seven years after Burnell’s death, she managed the family farming operation until “retirement” at age 93, when she traveled to Ohio for more time with Jane.

Letha is survived by three children: Corey and (Judith) Lowdon, Independence, Kan.; Jane and (Mark) Cironi, Fairlawn, Ohio; and Kelly and (Pamela) Lowdon, Lakewood, Colo.; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Alma McDill.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Burnell; daughter-in-law, Mary (Culver) Lowdon, and sister, Twila Schafer.

Her funeral and burial was at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Downs Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Downs Christian Church or the Downs Chapter of the E.H.U. in care of the Clark-Gashaw, 238 N 1st Street, Osborne, Kan. 67473.