Rosalie H. Downes, 77

GUMBORO - Rosalie H. Downes, of Gumboro, died Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at Coastal Hospice by the Lake, Salisbury, Md. She was 77. She was born May 7, 1931, in Selbyville. Her stepfather, Chester Hall and her mother, Hazel Hitchens Hall preceded her in death. She worked as a clerk for the Roy Campbell's store, and a Bank Collector for Omni Bank, (now known as MT Bank). She was a member of Gumboro United Methodist Church. She was also a charter member of the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary with over 54 years of service, and she held the honor of having served in every office of the Auxiliary. She was a vibrant woman, known for her excellent cooking skills and was always supporting and serving in fundraiser dinners. Friends describe her as "always helping somebody" and "you name it – she's done it!" In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her brother, Denny Hall who died in 1955. In addition to her husband of 55 years, John F. Downes, she is survived by her son, Chester W. Downes and his wife Vicki L. of Gumboro; one sister, Joyce Redmond and her husband Marvin of Selbyville; one grandson, Daniel Stewart; a nephew, Michael Redmond and his wife Janice; and a great niece and nephew, Kaitlyn and Brayden. The family notes that a whole community of special friends all over Sussex County, who she loved and considered her extended family, also survives her. Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 in Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro. Viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the funeral home, and again Thursday, two hours prior to the funeral. Rev. Jay Bunting and Rev. Carolyn Bunting will officiate. Interment will be in Millsboro Cemetery, Millsboro. Family suggest contributions to either Gumboro Methodist Church c/o Aline Baker, 34647 Millsboro Hwy., Millsboro, DE 19966; Coastal Hospice by the Lake, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802; or the Gumboro Vol. Fire Company Auxiliary, 37030 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro, DE 19966. Letters of condolence may be e-mailed via www.watsonfh.com.