Harriet Margaret Downing, 84, of Gagetown, died following a short illness Sunday, August 23, 2015 in Northwood Meadows Medical Care Unit in Cass City. She was born March 30, 1931 at home in Gagetown to Harry and Carrie (Crawford) Russell. She married John “Jack” Robert Downing June 30, 1956 in Gagetown. They lived their entire 58 years together in the Gagetown area and resided for the past 5 years at Northwood Meadows Assisted Living in Cass City. He died April 22, 2015. Harriet was dedicated to public service and worked for over 20 years for Tuscola County on its original election board and with the county Treasurer’s Office retiring from there in 1989. Harriet had a wealth of historical knowledge about the agricultural aspects of the Gagetown community and was an accomplished storyteller about it in many settings. After her retirement, she served as a volunteer for the Octagon Barn Festival, a docent for school tours, and board member of the Rawson Memorial Library. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cass City. Harriet was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. For many years she enjoyed gardening, knitting and sewing. Harriet had musical talents that she shared in many settings. She was a member of her church choir and longtime member of the Tom Thumb Singers. She is well known for her joy of playing the piano. Many of her favorite moments in recent years were those with her beloved grandchildren. Harriet is survived by her children: Gregory (Kelly) Downing of Washington, D.C., Kevin (Cindy) Downing of Highlands Ranch, CO, Kimberly (John Dedrick) Downing of Lebanon, OH; grandchildren: Kelsey, Jacqueline, Madeline, Eleanor, Abigail and Alexander; sisters-in-law: Betty Russell of Cass City, Joyce Downing of Muskegon, Eulah Downing of Bay City; and many caring and devoted nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brothers: Royce Russell and Ronald Russell; granddaughter, Mara Downing; and her parents, Harry and Carrie Russell. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 in First Presbyterian Church of Cass City with Rev. Linda Graham officiating. Interment will be in St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery, Gagetown. Memorials may be made to Northwood Meadows or First Presbyterian Church of Cass City. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneral home.com. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2015 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2015 in First Presbyterian Church of Cass City.
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