Mrs. Elva Ruth Downing

This staunch, even keeled lady received her invitation to be with her Lord and Savior April 16, 2014. Elva-Ruth was born June 5, 1935 in Natchez, to Frank Aikman Eidt and Elva Lydia Mathis Eidt. She was a member of the graduation class of 1953 and loved all of her classmates. She attended the Fifty Year Class Reunion in 2013 and enjoyed seeing her classmates. She was active in Chorus, Choir, Women in the Church and youth work at Jefferson Street Methodist Church and enjoyed working with the Natchez Little Theater. After graduating from Draughn’s Business College in Baton Rouge she worked for the State of Louisiana in the Insurance Department. Returning to Natchez she thoroughly enjoyed working for the Law Firm of Laub, Adams, Foreman and Truly. On Dec. 26, 1959 she married James Neil Downing and dedicated her life to supporting him in all of his endeavors. In 1966 she received her P.H.T. (Putting Hubby Through) degree from Mississippi State University. She graciously followed him to Indiana, Oklahoma, and back to Jackson, Mississippi. In Indiana she was Cmdr. Downing’s Admin. and Public Relations Officer in the Indiana Civil Air Patrol where they gained both State and National Honors. In Oklahoma she and Neil were blessed with their only child Ruth-Ellen. She served with Neil again as Admin. Public Relations Officer and again handled the Radio Net Operations while Neil was Squadron Cmdr. and Senior Check Pilot. She enjoyed the opportunity to help these young men and girls better themselves through the C.A.P. program and the community service it provided. She enjoyed putting others first. Returning to Mississippi in 1972 she helped Neil establish his insurance business with Woodmen of the World and then purchasing and running the Lloyd T. Gould Agency which catered to those who had been turned down for insurance. She was employed at the Univ. of Miss. Medical Center for 25 years serving as the Administrative Secretary to the Director of Police and Security. She retired in 2007. In 1972 she, Neil and Ruth-Ellen joined the Alta Woods Presbyterian Church and have remained faithful servants ever since. Not having any siblings, she enjoyed many happy days with her cousins in South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. She leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years, Neil; daughter Ruth-Ellen Lagos (Alexander) and a precious granddaughter, Sophia Anneliese Lagos, all of Allen, TX. Visitation will be 5-7pm Friday, April 18, 2014 and 10am until the 11am funeral service Saturday, April 19, all at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. Interment will follow at 3:30 pm Saturday at Natchez City Cemetery. On line guest book available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.