Myrtle Ruby (Walker) Downing, born April 29, 1925, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Villa at the age of 99. A lifelong resident of the Weiner area, Myrtle was known for her faith, humor, and dedication to family.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Warren Downing, Jr., with whom she shared many loving years. Myrtle leaves two daughters who were her greatest sources of pride: Patricia (Downing) Hesse and her husband, Phil, and Ina Raye (Downing) Hurdle and her husband, Hilton.
Myrtle’s four grandchildren, Jessica (Hesse) McClard, Candace (Hesse) Cooper and her husband, Tim, Matt Hurdle and wife, Amanda, and Alexis Hurdle Besharse and her husband, John, cherish the many special holidays and family gatherings she made unforgettable. Thanksgiving and Christmas with Myrtle were filled with love, laughter, good food, decorations throughout the house, and cherished traditions.
In her later years, Myrtle found immense joy in her great- grandchildren: Grier McClard and fiance Schade Nelson, Sloane Quinn, Charly McClard, Cross Quinn, Maeve Cooper, Knox Hurdle, and Campbell Besharse.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Vera (Gosney) Walker, and her siblings, Earl Walker, Elma (Walker) Senteney, Betty (Walker) Sitz, Naomi (Walker) King, and Vernon Walker. Myrtle enjoyed her nieces, nephews, and friends, who brought much joy to her life.
Serving as Pallbearers are Matt hurdle, Phil Hesse, Tim Cooper, John Besharse, Beara Craft, and Gene Winters. Hilton Hurdle, Cross Quinn, Gary Walker, Peggy Booth, Arthur Booth, Lynn Howerton, and Leona Gardner will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.
The family wants to especially thank Lynn Howerton and the staff at St. Bernard’s Villa in Jonesboro, where Myrtle spent the last two years. She loved them, and they loved her, often commenting on how much fun she was and how she always made them feel appreciated. They gave her not just physical care but emotional warmth that brightened her life.
Myrtle was a charter member and very active in the Weiner Christian Church- throughout those years, her car was often seen at the church, where she cleaned out cabinets and did countless jobs most never known about. Funeral services will be held at Weiner Christian Church on Wednesday, September 18th. The visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Mitch Ford officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to the Weiner Christioan Church.
Services will be under the direction of Gregg- Langford Bookout Funeral Home in Jonesboro.