Obituary of Phyllis Jean Downs

Phyllis Jean Downs, 92, of State College, PA, formerly of Goshen, NY, died peacefully with members of her family at her side on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Born February 21, 1926, in Houtzdale, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Laura Kent Henshaw. She was married to Travis Downs who preceded her in death in 1983.

Phyllis graduated from the Altoona School of Commerce. She worked for over twenty years in the Office of the Court Clerk for the Orange County Supreme Court of New York. While there, she earned the respect of her coworkers and established many long-lasting friendships.

She was an active member of the Goshen United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women until relocating to State College. She generously gave of her time, volunteering for the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, the Red Door Thrift Shop, the Goshen Cerebral Palsy Center, and Arden Hill Hospital.

Phyllis loved reading and crossword puzzles, and also enjoyed sewing and knitting, canning and baking (she was known for her incredible pies), gifting many of her friends and family through the years with the things she made.  An ardent baseball fan since childhood, she faithfully followed her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates every summer. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family and friends and will be remembered for her quick wit and terrific sense of humor.

Loving mother of Kent Downs and his wife, Stephanie, of Wallkill, NY, Philip Downs and his wife, Suzanne, of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, and Laurie Witham and her husband, Dean, of New Paltz, NY. Cherished grandmother/nana of Tiffanie, Derek, Travis, and Will. Dear sister of Shirley Henshaw, of State College and late brother George Henshaw, of Harrisburg, PA.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 19, at the Goshen United Methodist Church, 115 Main St, Goshen, NY 10924.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Phyllis’ memory can be made to Goshen United Methodist Church or Grane Hospice Group, 115 Union Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.