Mary Mcdowell

Mary Ellen Lantz McDowell, age 81, of Mio, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at The Home at AuSable Valley Community in Fairview.
Mary was born in Mio, MI on January 27, 1932 to Harlen and Deliha Hazel (Tubbs) Lantz.  She grew up in the Mt. Tom area, on Helmer Lake Road.  Mary married Richard Hugh McDowell on April 14, 1947.  Together they raised their family of 10 children:  8 girls and 2 boys.  She graduated from Mio AuSable High School in 1983 after raising her family. After the death of her husband of 35 years, Richard, Mary remained at home by herself until February of 2013, at which time she moved to The Home.  Mary enjoyed gardening (both flowers and plants), sewing, and baking (cinnamon rolls and breads were her favorites).
Surviving are her children: Bonnie Whitehouse; Alex McDowell; Esther & David Batavia; Irene & Michael Berger; Ellen & Don Peters; Ann & Tom Galbraith; and Laura Jo & Ian Elsworth; all of Mio, Ed & Angela Smith of Fairview, MI ,and Alice High & Wayne Valentine of Atlanta, MI ; 28 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard Hugh McDowell on May 13, 1982; her son Michael Hugh McDowell on October 1, 1992; her grandsons Lorne Hugh McDowell and Scott Michael McDowell; her brothers: Lorne, Melvin, Hilford, and LeRoy Lantz; and her sisters: Helen Lantz Bamberger, and Esther Smith.
In accordance with Maryâ??s wishes, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 1PM until the time of Memorial Services at 2 PM at Mio New Hope Assembly of God Church, Mio, MI with Pastor Russell Bowman officiating.  Interment of ashes follows the Memorial Service at Kittle Cemetery, Mio.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, Michigan.