Gail L. Downing

Gail Lucille Downing, 72, of Columbus, Ohio passed away peacefully after an extended illness on November 10, 2015. She was born February 21, 1943 in Sandusky, Ohio to the late Mary Alice and Ervin J. Hartenfeld; also preceded in death by her sister Judy Baird. She attended Huron Road Hospital School of Nursing at Fenn College. Gail lived a full life…she was a business owner, a homemaker, a pianist, an avid reader, a Rotarian, a food pantry volunteer and so much more. Through Rotary, she and her family hosted foreign exchange students. A woman of great faith, Gail was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Stephen United Church of Christ in Sandusky. It was at this church that she met her husband, while in the 7th grade, and accepted his hand in marriage in 1963. She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher. She loved to study the Bible and was a member of the Bible Study Fellowship. Gail is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Thomas Downing; children, Jon (Julie) Downing, Alison (Rich) Williams and Shannon (Brandon) Hoste; sister Pam (Bill) Suver and grandchildren, Noah Downing, Trey and Tyler Williams, Owen, Caden and Declan Hoste; extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Schoedinger North Chapel, 5554 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43229 where family will welcome friends from 1-2pm; Dr. Gregory H. Herndon will officiate. Those who wish may make donations to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 5100 Karl Rd., Columbus, OH 43229 in her memory. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences.