Elizabeth A. Downing

Elizabeth (Beth) Anna Downing passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Medilodge in Gaylord in the presence of her daughter, Gretchen Cherry.

Beth was born on May 20, 1950, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Harold Eugene Downing and Virginia Margaret (Arbick) Downing. She attended Harper Creek Elementary School in Battle Creek and then moved to East Jordan, Michigan where she graduated in 1968.  She went on to receive an associate degree in accounting from North Central Michigan College in 1993.

She worked at United Technologies in Boyne City for many years as well as Bartending at the Rainbow Bar in East Jordan.

She was very active in supporting Veterans and an active member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo, cooking, and camping but her highlight was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rick Duncan (2017); great granddaughter, Alannah (2019); her brothers, Allan (1948) and George (1990); and cousin, Anne Marie Downing (1988).

Survivors include her daughter, Gretchen (Adam) Cherry of Frederic, Michigan; grandchildren, Anna (Aaron), William, Tyler, Allison, Alikszander (Kassidy) and Kenna; her bonus granddaughters, Katelynn Cross, and Monica Vallance; great grandchildren, Devontae, Kaylee and Kay.  She is also survived by two brothers, Lynn (Charnell) Downing of Fowlerville, Michigan, and Dennis Downing of Traverse City, Michigan; a cousin, Michael (Sharon) Downing of Battle Creek, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Medilodge of Gaylord for the excellent care and support of Beth for the time she was there.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family to assist with funeral expenses.

A celebration of Beth’s life will be held on her birthday, Saturday, May 20, 2023, in East Jordan, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church, 3055 W. Old State Rd., East Jordan, MI.