Rosalie Alice Downing's Obituary
Rosalie Alice Downing, born April 16, 1916, was a daughter, wife, mother, great grandmother, and fortunate enough to be a great-great grandmother. As the youngest of 5 children, she was happy and playful, with a spark of mischief. At the age of 18, she married Roger Downing and began raising their family in Barnesville, MN. As farm wife and mother of four, Rosalie knew how to work hard, love deeply, and keep the family structured. The family stayed centered by her fabulous meals and excursions to the lake. Rosalie always made room for company and even helped raise her husband's sister, Ruth Eizel. As a grandmother, she knew nothing but compassion. She was never too busy to teach and play a game of Chicken-scratch or Go-fish. She also enjoyed taking the grandchildren for long walks to "hunt" for treasures in the woods. She had grandchildren in her life when she could truly love and spend time with them and they are truly blessed by her presence in their lives. Rosalie was also very fortunate to have many great and great-great grandchildren whom she also loved dearly. Through her life, Rosalie was continually surrounded by her friends and hobbies. Her church family and friends were cherished and depended upon for a spirited game of Bridge, Bingo, Skip-bo, or Canasta. She made an art and hobby out of garage sale-ing and antique shop excursions. She enjoyed traveling and visited many places such as Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Above all else, she filled her heart with the spirit of the Lord and is being welcomed into her place in Heaven.
Proceeded in death by her mother, Clara Belle Ladwig, Father, Frank Ladwig, Siblings, Arthur Ladwig, Howard Ladwig, Nora Cooley, and Helen Egge, and granddaughter, Sherry Downing.
Survived by Children: Robert Downing, Judy and husband Richard Sink, Jerry and wife Nikki Downing, Rita and husband Michael Willett, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10 AM Friday in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview, with Reverend Tom Roberson officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be graciously accepted for the Billy Graham Association or Prestonwood Academy Scholarship Fund.
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