Mary Jane McDowell, 84, of Bluffton and formerly Columbus Grove, died at 10:46 p.m., Dec. 18, 2013, at the Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton, Ohio.
She was born Feb. 16, 1929, in Columbus Grove to Ralph O. and Florence E. (Ury) Roberts, who preceded her in death.
She married B. Milton McDowell on July 9, 1948, and he also preceded her in death on June 30, 2011.
Mrs. McDowell was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School and a graduate of Bluffton College, class of 1967. She had taught Music at the Harrod School of the Allen East School District and also at the Judah Christian Academy of Lima, Ohio. She was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove. She was the organist and choir director for over 40 years at the Columbus Grove United Methodist Church and Columbus Grove United Church of Christ.
Survivors include three sons: Michael (Robin) McDowell of Bluffton; Dean McDowell (special partner Bob Montooth) of Desert Springs, Calif., and Shawn McDowell of Baltimore, Md.; two step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and one brother; Carrol D. Roberts of Columbus Grove.
Family and friends may call from 5-9 p.m. on Friday Jan. 3, and Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 from 9 a.m. until time of service at the Church Of The Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove, Ohio.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 at the Church Of The Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove, Pastor Michael Whitman will officiate. Burial will be at Osborn Cemetery, Columbus Grove.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Church Of The Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove; Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton; the St. Mark's Lutheran Church Music Fund, 1900 St Paul Street, Baltimore, Md. 21218; or The Desert Winds Freedom Band, P.O. Box 4732, Palm Springs, CA 92263-4732.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.hartmansonsfuneralhome.com.
