Kathy Ann Downey

Kathy Ann Downey, 72 of rural Lawton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023 at a local hospital after a week’s long journey with family and friends by her side.  Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Spring for her family and friends.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Memorials can be sent to the Siouxland Humane Society or the Sioux City Public Library in Kathy’s name.

Kathy was born on November 17, 1951 in Sioux City, Iowa to Francis “Woody” and Shirley (Bottorff) Woodford, the oldest of seven children.  She grew up in rural Ponca, Nebraska, enjoyed riding horses, fishing, being outdoors, and adventuring through the Ponca State Park.  Kathy received her education in Ponca, Nebraska where she was a member of the Pep Club, Softball, Luther League, and school Choir before graduating with the Class of 1970.  During high school, she received her CNA (Certified Nurse’s Assistant) Certificate, and worked at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Sioux City. 

Kathy married Raleigh R. Downey on October 20, 1973 at Salem Lutheran Church in Ponca, and the couple made Anthon, Iowa their home.  She continued to work at St. Joseph Hospital as a nursing assistance before becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant during the hospital’s name change to Mercy Hospital.  She retired after 40 years of service and was a very caring and giving person.

Kathy kept busy with the Corvette Club, car shows, Red Hat Society, the Christmas Shoe Party, and trips to Missouri with “the Gang”.  She volunteered at the Sioux City Food Bank and the Humane Society after her retirement, and enjoyed gardening, reading (she loved the Sioux City Library), hosting parties at her acreage, and loved Halloween and Beer flag.  Kathy became a cat enthusiast and loved animals in general (she rescued many, many animals in her lifetime), loved spending time with family playing 10 Point Pitch, and various card games and scolding those who cheated!  She was a Husker and Iowa Football fan, and enjoyed every second she could with neighbors and friends and Kathy loved her many nieces and nephews.  One of Kathy’s happiest moments was helping plan and organize the “Woodford Family Reunion” in 2022. 

Kathy is survived by Pat (Terry) Campbell of Belden, Mary (Joe) Ankeny of Dixon, Deb (Dean) Christensen of Marion, South Dakota, Sue (Dave) Brunkow of Portland, Oregon, Cheryl (Bob) Rich of Ponca, many nephews and nieces, cousins, many members of “The Gang”, home assistants and caregivers Dawn Mason, Marcy Johnson, and Misty Clark.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Raleigh, parents, brother Clark “Spike” Woodford, and special furry family members Bridgette, Buddy, & Jennie.