Jo Ann Downey

Jo Ann Downey, 90, of Knightstown entered her eternal life at Heritage House in New Castle on June 30, 2019. She was born in Rush County on September 8, 1928 to Ralph and Myrle (Rhodes) Moffitt. She was raised in Rush County on the family’s farm until 1944 at which time the family moved to Knightstown. She attended Mays school until 1944 and graduated from Knightstown High School in 1946. After high school, she worked for Abner Motor Sales where she met the love of her life, John Edwin Downey. They were married on September 20, 1953 in the Knightstown Friends Church. Later she worked for the National Insurance Agency which was located in the First National Bank of Knightstown. Then, she became employed by First National Bank which later was purchased by Bank One. After 34 years of service at the bank, she retired in 1993 as a branch officer.

She was a birthright Quaker and lifelong member of the Knightstown Friends Church; a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years, having served as Worthy Matron at one time; a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 152 in Knightstown; and a window watcher for the Knightstown Crime Watch. Jo Ann enjoyed watching Indiana University Basketball and the Cincinnati Reds. She and John took her family to dozens of Reds games over the years, including the 1975 World Series. She also enjoyed watching The Young and The Restless, talking on the phone, traveling, playing on her computer, doing puzzles, and playing cards. She very much enjoyed socializing with her friends. She often visited her elderly friends at their homes and nursing homes and never missed a Mays or Knightstown Alumni Banquet. Mostly, she loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. She loved attending all of their sports and was their biggest and loudest fan. In recent years, she enjoyed seeing her great-grandchildren who visited her often.

Jo Ann is survived by her three children: Kay (David) Denney of Knightstown, Janet Downey of Seminole, Florida, and Michael (Susie) Downey of Knightstown; grandchildren, Carissa (Ryan) Brammer of Indianapolis, Scott Denney of Seminole, Florida, Craig (Brittany) Denney of Knightstown, Austin Downey of Knightstown, and Eric (Robin) Magee of Laurel; great-grandchildren, Bronwynn and Beckett Denney of Knightstown; sister, Wanda Gregory of Knightstown; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Downey in 1987 and her infant son, Lawrence Allen, in 1956.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Knightstown Friends Church. A memorial service offered by the Order of the Eastern Star will begin the funeral. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 – 8 pm, Friday, July 5, 2019 at Heritage Funeral Care in Knightstown.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Heritage House Residence Fund or Angel Wish. The residence fund at Heritage House provides trips, activities and gifts for the residents. The Angel Wish program provides senior citizens with household items, groceries and gifts delivered to their home.

You may send the family a personal condolence at www.heritagefuneralcares.com.
The Hunt family and Heritage staff are honored to serve the family of Jo Ann Downey.