Ruth Edith Darouse Downs

Ruth Edith Darouse Downs, longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet at the age of 88. She was born on April 6, 1925 in Hammond, LA. Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Desk and Derrick Club in Baton Rouge. She worked for Bardwell & Holloway, was on the Mineral Board for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, and was the first female employee at Community Coffee in the 1940’s. Ruth loved water sports, despite her poor swimming skills, and she enjoyed reading. She will be missed by her sons, Harvey and Larry Downs; grandchildren, Scott Alexander Hite Downs, William David Downs, Harvey Arthur Downs Jr., and Lane Edward Downs; great grandchildren, Lila Downs and Beau David Downs; and sister, Dorothy Darouse Hunt. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Harvey Downs; parents, Arthur and Edith Darouse; and 5 brothers. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 12:00 pm until the Funeral Service begins at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Online condolences may be placed at www.greenoaksfunerals.com.