Janice Kay Downing

Janice Kay Downing

Janice Kay Downing, 56, died Sept. 10, 1999, at her home in Cody, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle against cancer. Funeral services were Sept. 14 at First Presbyterian Church, Cody, with interment following in Riverside Cemetery.

She was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Lusk to Bill and Wyoma (Brunckhorst) Hales. She grew up on a ranch northeast of Lusk and attended a small rural school for several years before continuing her education in Lusk, where he was the Class of 1961 Valedictorian.

Janice attended and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business education. Upon completion of college, she was a business teacher at Pine Bluffs and Cody high schools for a number of years.

She married Jack Downing June 5, 1966, in Cheyenne and they moved to Cody. Janice continued to work as a legal secretary and substitute teacher before becoming an elementary school secretary for 19 years.

Through her rural upbringing and background, Janice developed a profound respect and appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors. She also had strong family ties and experiences that were reflected in her love for all of her family members and friends.

She also developed an unshakable faith and trust in God and attended church regularly. Janice was a dedicated individual who practiced what she preached with strong beliefs in honesty, professionalism and organization and dedicated her life to improving the lives of the people around her. She believed strongly in the acceptance of responsibility and accountability, which she passed on to others.

Janice enjoyed camping, wildlife watching, quilting, various handcrafts, reading, keeping family albums and scrapbooks, attending and organizing family and group activities and attending school and church activities.

Survivors include her husband, Jack; two sons, Steve Downing of Rock Springs and Curtis Downing of Cheyenne; her parents Bill and Wyoma Hales of Lusk; one sister Betty Schomberg and husband Bill of Pierce, Neb.; brothers, Lee Hales and wife Tinette of Lusk and Sam Hales and wife Patty of Casper; a brother-in-law Gail Downing and wife Donna of Cody; seven nephews and one niece.

Memorials may be made in her name to Spirit Mountain Hospice or Home Health, in care of West Park Hospital, 707 Sheridan, Cody, WY 82414.

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