Rose Downey

Rose Mary Ackermann Downey was born September 30, 1920 in Windthorst, Kansas to Frank and Clara (Fredlake) Ackermann and died in Denver, Colorado on November 8, 2011. She and Raymond Downey were married in Windthorst at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on February 12, 1945. Scott City, Kansas was home to Ray and Rose for the first two years of their life together. In 1947, they moved to south of Stratton, Colorado, where they farmed until Ray’s retirement in 1998. That summer, they purchased and remodeled a house in Stratton where Rose resided until her death. She and Ray were married over 57 years. Ray died in 2002. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters: Ronald Edward, Robert Lee, Karen Sue and Kimberly Ann. Rose’s mother Clara died in 1947 and her father Frank died in 1965. She was the second youngest of seven children and was preceded in death by her brothers Albert, Ed, Hank, Mike and Ray and by her older sister, Betty. Rose was very proud to be a farmer’s wife and homemaker. She worked long hours helping Ray operate the farm. A devout member of St. Charles Catholic Parish, Rose was active for many years in the Altar and Rosary Society where she held various officer positions. She believed in the importance of hard work and traditional values and instilled these beliefs in her children and grandchildren. Rose is survived by her children Ron Downey and Regina Jo of Limon; Bob Downey and Jo of Stratton; Karen Kerschner and Gene of Alliance, Nebraska; and Kim May and Tom of Stratton. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Amy (Downey) Mosman and Jip of Yokouska, Japan; Lisa (Kerschner )Schwien and Jarrett of Arvada, Colorado; Amber (Downey) Linnenburger and Eric of Fort Collins, Colorado; Mark Kerschner and Val of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Brad Downey and Danika of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Todd, Jordan, Kyle and Sara May of Stratton. Rose was also blessed to live long enough to welcome ten great-grandchildren: Belle Schwien, Mackenzie Linnenburger, Colton Schwien, Maggie Linnenburger, Clara Kerschner, Lauren Schwien, Ellie Kerschner, RJ Mosman, Myles Kerschner and Ryleigh Mosman.