Obituary of Veda Mae Downes

Mrs. Veda Downes, 92, of Highland Terrace, Fort Plain, New York died Monday, January 12, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her family, following a brief illness. Born on March 29, 1922 in Buel, NY, she was the daughter of John Prime and Lulah Eckler Prime. She was a graduate of Cherry Valley High School and was a lifetime area resident. Mrs. Downes was employed as a machine operator at the Fort Plain Luxary for over 50 years. She was a member of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Canajoharie. Mrs. Downes was a former Sunday School Teacher and loved to play BINGO. On November 11, 1966 Veda was married to William Downes, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her first husband, Manson F. Gardinier; sisters, Belva Nichols, Pauline Cervo, Goldie Gordon; brothers, Merton Prime and Alton Prime. Mrs. Downes is survived by her 2 daughters, Mary Ellen and Harry Ropeter of Stone Arabia, NY, Nancy and James McGowan of Fort Plain, NY; the apples of her eye, her 4 grandchildren, Tina, Laurie, Harry, Jr., Jeffery; 3 great-grandsons, Brent, Harry, III, and Zachary. A graveside service will be held at Fort Plain Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Veda Downes may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.