Viola 'Pug' Downing, 85, died Friday, July 7, 2017, at her home in Hutchinson. She was born February 13, 1932, at Inman, the daughter of Cornelius and Anna (Schmidt) Willems.

She attended Inman High School. She was a retail clerk at Duckwall's on East 4th Street and had been a meat market wrapper for 30 years at the 5th Street Dillons. Some of Viola's favorite things to do were: gardening, backyard bird watching, and loved sharing her never-ending sense of humor with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other friends.

On July 9, 1949, Viola was united in marriage to Harold Downing. He died December 2, 1991.

Viola is survived by: sons, Ray Downing of Hutchinson, Kurt Downing of Hays, Dan Downing and wife Betsey of Nathrop, Colorado; daughter, Lou Ann Delpire and husband Eric of Nashville, Tenn.; stepdaughter, Judy Branum of Conn.; grandchildren, Christopher, Emilie and Bailie Delpire, Abby Epp and husband Brad, Isaac Downing and wife Jami; step-granddaughter, Kyndria Honoroff; great-grandchildren, Avery, Brecken and Chase Epp, Brock and Brody Downing; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; stepsons, Ronny and Larry Downing; sisters, Lillian, Agnes, Mary Ann, Martha; and brother, Arnie.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service will be 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at North Inman Cemetery. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.