Ruth Downey

Ruth Jane Downey, 86, passed away February 19, 2014 in Friendswood. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Born September 3, 1927 in Bruin, Pennsylvania to the late Hugh Clarence and Ruth Jane (Hanks) Knox, Ruth's family moved to Graham when she was very young. She married Herman Ray Downey, Jr June 13, 1948 in Jean. He preceded her in death January 10, 2005. Ruth enjoyed spending her time reading biographies and crime stories. However, her happiest moments were spent with Ray sifting through old records in libraries or wading through the high grass at cemeteries looking for ancestors.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Janyth Rinaca and husband, Mike of Friendswood; granddaughters, Kristen Dietrich and husband, James of Friendswood and Carrie Rinaca of Katy; great granddaughter, Riley Dietrich; sister, Kathleen Walker of Clute; brothers, H.C. Knox and wife, Fern of Graham and Jim Knox and wife Betty of Granbury; sister-in-law, Sammye Knox of Graham and brother-in-law, Bob Oatman of Merced, CA. Ruth is preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers.

Family visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.