Betty (Bischoff) Downs

In the early morning of Tuesday, July 24, 2018, Betty Downs, age 97, of East Palestine, OH passed away at home with her family.  She was born in Beaver Falls, PA on October 20,1920 to Henry Mary (Thompson) Bischoff.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Betty Jo Price with whom she made her home, Kathryn (Bruce) Wylie of New Springfield, OH, Marsha Merrell of NC; 10 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one great great-granddaughter, many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Betty was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Downs, who died on August 25, 1983; siblings, Norma Jean, Dorothy, Viola, Eugene and Orville.

Betty was an avid reader!  Many of the grandchildren said they learned this from “Gram”.  She would read to them when they were little, give them books when they were older, and even liked to discuss what they read later on.  Several of them tell about her reading “Little Red Riding Hood” the best way.  She would always scare them by sticking her dentures out at the appropriate time in the story.

Many of the grandchildren said she taught them how to drive, how to crochet, to make paper hats, build forts in the living room, and she always had money for popsicles and penny candy.

Some of the fondest family memories are large caravans heading to the family’s favorite Thrift Store where Betty would write a check for everyone’s treasures. Afterward she had her customary Filet-O-Fish sandwich and coffee, everyone else ordered… and she often insisted on paying for that too.

It goes without saying that she taught the life lesson to put family first, and to be generous.  When she saw a need, she would take care of it quietly without any fanfare; whether it was in the family or the congregation.

Shortly after Harold's death, Betty heard that YSU was offering free Business Classes for those over 60.  She was never afraid to try anything new, so she went. Her professor and fellow students loved the little old lady sitting in on their classes.

In May 1995, she suffered two brain aneurysms, resulting in a few other serious medical conditions.  This was a life changing event….her personality was never the same afterwards, but she was still the same caring and generous person with a spunky personality.  She always had a sparkle in her eye, rarely complained, and liked to be the boss, especially when it was time to eat. She loved to go out to eat, and asked almost every day as if she just had a great idea.

For the past few years, she kept busy with her Word Search Books, Coloring, Bob Ross and The British Baking Show. 

Much of what the family did, revolved around Gram … she will be greatly missed.

One final note…Betty was never without her Werther’s Candy, and loved to share them.  We will never be able to pop one in our mouths without thinking fondly of Gram.

Family to receive friends on Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 3:00 PM until the time of Memorial Service at 4:00 PM in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses East Palistine, 700 Brookdale Ave., East Palestine, OH 44413.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S Silvat Inc.  Send condolences to Betty's family by visiting: www.cremateohio.com.

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