Erma June Downs, 83, of Crescent City, IL, died at 1:25 P. M., Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at her home in Crescent City following a sudden illness. Her Memorial service will be at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Redenius Funeral Home, Gilman, IL., with Rev. Joel Brown officiating. Inurnment will be in Flesher Cemetery, Crescent City. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 P.M. Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Redenius Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Relay for Life or to the Donor's Choice.
Erma was born on June 20, 1930 in Browning, IL to Marvin & Beula Harriet (Beam) Downs. She spent her childhood in Schuyer County, IL. and attended rural grade schools. Erma graduated from Rushville High School in 1947. She was a homemaker, operated a restaurant and owned and operated Antique shops.
Erma married Vernon Carl Downs on August 24, 1948 in Beardstown, IL. He died on June 17, 1999. Surviving children include a son - Vernon "Art" (Corinne) Downs of Watseka, IL. Two daughters - Jackie Lynn Dunn of Gratiot, WI., and Sandy Grabow of Crescent City. Fifteen grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. A brother - Marvin (Catherine) Downs Jr. of Rockford, IL., and two sisters - Maxine Shelts of Huntsville, IL., and Julia "Betty" (Arvis) Foster of Peoria, IL. A sister-in-law - Vada Downs of Rushville. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother - Home Oliver Downs and a great-granddaughter - Rachelle Reardon.
Erma was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Watseka. Other places that Erma had lived were Rankin, Potomac and Rossville. She was a leader of the Ellis Hustlers 4-H Club for several years. Erma enjoyed all children, square dancing and antiquing.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL. Please sign the guest book at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com
Erma was born on June 20, 1930 in Browning, IL to Marvin & Beula Harriet (Beam) Downs. She spent her childhood in Schuyer County, IL. and attended rural grade schools. Erma graduated from Rushville High School in 1947. She was a homemaker, operated a restaurant and owned and operated Antique shops.
Erma married Vernon Carl Downs on August 24, 1948 in Beardstown, IL. He died on June 17, 1999. Surviving children include a son - Vernon "Art" (Corinne) Downs of Watseka, IL. Two daughters - Jackie Lynn Dunn of Gratiot, WI., and Sandy Grabow of Crescent City. Fifteen grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. A brother - Marvin (Catherine) Downs Jr. of Rockford, IL., and two sisters - Maxine Shelts of Huntsville, IL., and Julia "Betty" (Arvis) Foster of Peoria, IL. A sister-in-law - Vada Downs of Rushville. Erma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother - Home Oliver Downs and a great-granddaughter - Rachelle Reardon.
Erma was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Watseka. Other places that Erma had lived were Rankin, Potomac and Rossville. She was a leader of the Ellis Hustlers 4-H Club for several years. Erma enjoyed all children, square dancing and antiquing.
Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman, IL. Please sign the guest book at www.redeniusfuneralhomes.com