Carol Elaine Steele Downey, (born November 26, 1932 in Nephi Utah) gently returned home wrapped in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father Sunday February 10, 2019. Perfectly timed in order to spend Valentine’s day and the anniversary of 68 years of marriage with her eternal companion, Ned Owen Downey.
After more than 22 years apart, what a joyous reunion she is having with the love of her life.
Because of her great faith we are sure they are dancing and celebrating with her favorite kid Dan, grandsons Jared, Eric and Sterling, her daughter in law Sara and her baby brother Denny Steele, her wonderful parents, Hyrum Dellwin and Dorothea Marie Olsen Steele and countless more of our loved ones who have gone on before.
We are so happy for her but words cannot begin to express how much she will be missed.
Despite the fact that the man she loved was blown up in a mine accident at the age of seventeen and became totally blind, she went on to marry him and become the very best mother and wife in the whole world.
She has devoted her entire life to the raising of a family. She is the most unselfish person alive. She has given up a great deal in order to give her nine children the things they want and need. Unselfishness such as this is a rare quality and very hard to find. But this is second nature to our mother. She is so caring that she would give you her last dime, or last tomato, if she felt you needed it (and often has). She is constantly trying to help others to have a happier more comfortable life.
Our mother has given all her children self confidence and a sense of good self worth. She has made each and every one of us feel as though we are very special, and has made sure that we know we are loved. She has always encouraged us to do the best in everything we do, and encouraged us to spend our time in worthwhile activities that build character and help to improve our lives. It’s no wonder everybody loves her. Our Mother is terrific! She is kind and considerate, understanding and very patient. She has taught us that we can become anything we want to, if we try hard enough and if we want to bad enough.
Our Mom has spent over 63 years of her life teaching different classes in the church all the way from Primary teacher to Relief Rociety presidency. She was also PTA President. She always took an active part in every one of her nine children’s lives. She has given all of us a terrific foundation to build our lives upon.
There has never in the history of the world, been a family as blessed as we are to have a wonderful Mother like ours. She has been the perfect example of motherhood! We all Love, respect and cherish her more than life itself. We hope and pray that we will all become someone she will be proud of.
Novels could be written about the amazing attributes and character of our loving Mom and grandmother. She is the most Christ like person in all she does, all she says and all she is. She is so selfless always putting others needs above her own. She lived her life with such wisdom strength and courage which made her the perfect example in everything. Her life was not easy, yet she never complained.
She lived for her family and loved them with all her heart. Her children Dennis and (Debbie) Downey, Jeff (Valorie) Downey, Rusty (Sonya) Downey, Mountain View Wyoming, Joy (Joe) Drage, Santaquin, Rose (Jeff) Nyman, Kristina (Ross) Christensen, and Lisa (Mike) Memmott, Payson, Kelly (Tina) Downey of Nephi,
Brothers Keith, Jerry and Bob Steele, sisters Donna Robertson and Kathy Johnson. She also gave her love to her precious 33 grand children 43 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. (total posterity is 120 with 4 more, that we know of, on the way)
Funeral services will be held Feb 16. 2019 at the Payson Second Ward church, 274 South Main at 11:00 am. A viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:45 am. at the same location. Also at the same location Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Interment will be at the Benjamin Cemetery.
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