Elizabeth Ann Mears Downham, 79, of rural Logansport, died Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at Harbour Manor Care Center in Noblesville. She had been in failing health since August and a resident there since Aug. 21.

Born Aug. 24, 1930, in Carroll County, she was the daughter of the late Bert and Bertha Schnieb Mears. Her marriage was on May 9, 1954, in Delphi, to George H. Downham, who survives.

Mrs. Downham graduated from Delphi High School in 1949 and from Purdue University short course in home economics.

She was a homemaker and helped on their family farm.

Mrs. Downham was a member of Faith Lutheran Church near Deer Creek and a member of the Women’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

She was an avid supporter of those who could not attend church and sent many cards and bulletins to those individuals who were shut in.

She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, crafts, and collecting nativity scenes and milk glass.

Surviving with her husband are two sons, Jay Downham (wife: Dena) of Lafayette and Joe Downham (wife: Teresa) of Fishers; a daughter, Sara Clark (husband: Steve) of Atlanta; a brother, Sherry Mears (wife: Lois) of Delphi; a sister, Mary Helen Abbott (husband: Arnold), of Delphi; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death were a son, Tommy; three brothers, Kenneth, Keith and Richard; a niece, Beverly; and a great-niece, Marlee.