Berniece Downing — Creston

Berniece Downing, 90, of Creston died Feb. 23, 2015, at Greater Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St. Phil Price will officiate. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Open visitation will be 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday with family present 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Union County Conservation Board and/or Creston Express Wrestling Club. Online condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Berniece June Downing, daughter of Clara Belle (Kirkpatrick) and Lynn Wells Antisdel, was born June 7, 1924, in Adams County near Nevinville. Berniece lived in Adams and Union counties all of her life.

Berniece graduated from Nevinville High School in 1940.

On Sept. 12, 1943, Berniece married J. Paul Downing in Nevinville.

Bernice was a homemaker and farm wife. She also cooked at the Knotty Pine Restaurant preparing the brunches.

Berniece was inducted into the Iowa Bowling Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge.

Berniece is survived by her husband J. Paul Downing of Creston; son Rich (Mary) Downing of Creston; daughter Judy (Dennis) Loudon of Afton; grandchildren, Todd (Lesa) Downing of Creston, Brett (Kathy) Downing of LaVista, Neb., Kasey (Jody) Downing, Cody (Jenni) Downing and Chris (Ashley) Downing, all of Creston, Traci (Tom) Lust of Des Moines, Brook (Cody) Adams of Lenox and Clint Williamson of Afton; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lawrence and Lyle Antisdel; and sister Bonnie Blazek.