Dorothy L. Downs

DOYLESTOWN – Dorothy L. Downs, age 88, passed away on May 3, 2018.

Born on July 6, 1929 to the late Milo and Emma (Schmidt) Shank, she lived on the Shank farm in Doylestown which is currently the Chippewa Golf Course. A graduate of Doylestown High School Class of 1947, Dorothy then went on to receive her nursing degree at People’s Hospital (Akron General Hospital) in 1950.  She worked at People’s Hospital in Delivery, Akron Children’s Hospital during the polio epidemic, Barberton Citizens Hospital on medical floors, and was the Director of Nursing at Sara Lee Nursing Home.  She was a past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Doylestown American Legion Post 407, a member of 8 and 40 and the Wayne County Council.  Dorothy was a life member of the Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Bible school and worked in the kitchen.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing and attending family events.

Dorothy married Jack Downs on March 9, 1951 in Zion Lutheran Church in Doylestown.  He survives.  They had three children, Becky (Rick) Petry of Doylestown, Don (Ann) Downs of Dalton, Bill (Shawnee) Downs of Doylestown; 11grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and one on the way; many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bob and Bill Shank; sisters, Marion Preto and Eleanor Jourden.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in ICU at Akron City Hospital for their compassion and care.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 65 E. Clinton St., Doylestown 44230 with Pastor Christopher Bartholomew officiating.  Burial to take place at Chestnut Hill Cemetery.  Family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 132 N. Portage St., Doylestown, and one hour prior to service time at the church on Monday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Doylestown Zion Lutheran Church or to the Doylestown American Legion Post 407 Ladies Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship, 49 Black Dr., Doylestown, OH 44230.  Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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