Rita Gwen Downs

Rita Gwen Downs, 67, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at her home in Sedalia. She was born on August 29, 1956, in Woodstock, VA, the daughter of Dean and Mary Poe, who preceded her in death.

On June 13, 1981, in Sedalia, MO, she was united in marriage to David Alan Downs, who preceded her in death on August 17, 2010.

She graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in Swoope, VA, in 1974. She lived in Ft. Worth, TX from 1980 to 1985, and worked as a bank manager. In 1985, she moved to Sedalia, MO, where she resided till her passing. She had several different jobs, including a cashier at KMart, a custodian at New Hope Baptist Church, and a line worker at Rival Manufacturing. She loved rock hunting, mushroom hunting, being outdoors, painting, crafting, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rita is survived by three daughters, Samantha Bradley (Tim), Dione Johnson (Brian), and Diane Downs Vega (Keith); nine grandchildren, Danyelle (Thomas), Paige (Justin), Draiven, Isaac, Kamilah, Oran, Connor, Coralyn, and Serena; four great-grandchildren, Oliver, Olivia, Oscar, and Oaklenn; two brothers, Wesley Poe and Gary Poe (Arlene); her best friends, Katherine Aguilar and Dawn Lindsey, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life gathering with family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Rea Funeral Chapel, 3510 W. 16th St., Sedalia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.