Frances Lucille McDowell, age 96, of Columbus Grove, passed away on September 12, 2024, at 1:29 pm. Frances was born on April 4, 1928 in Columbus Grove too Harold and Lucille (Miller) Irwin, who preceded her in death. On May 1, 1949 she married William C. McDowell. They began housekeeping at the home where James Whitcomb Reilly wrote “Out to Old Aunt Mary’s”. The Lord blessed them with 70 years of marriage before Bill’s death in 2019. Frances was a lifelong member of the Columbus Grove Christian Church. A graduate of Columbus Grove High School and Northwestern School of Commerce, she worked at various bookkeeping positions.
She and her husband developed family farmland into the Do-Well Mobile Home Park in Columbus Grove. Frances fulfilled the great commandment of loving her family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed her family, especially watching the grandsons’ sporting events. She was an avid Ohio State football and basketball fan. She and her husband enjoyed many winters with friends in Florida and traveled to all fifty states and the providences of Canada. All who knew her loved her knack of entertaining with food, fun, and games (especially cards), making everyone feel welcomed.
We are grateful to know she finally found her peace in life. She is survived by children, Rebecca McDowell and Robert (Susan) McDowell of Columbus Grove; grandsons, Kurt (Sarah) McDowell of Lewis Center, Ohio and Kip (Amanda) McDowell of Haskins, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Hayden McDowell, Leah McDowell, and Bristol McDowell; step greatgrandchildren, Reilly (Jay) Graham, Lucas Jones, and Benjamin Jones; step great, great grandson Lawson Graham; a brother-in-law, Robert Garberson of Columbus Grove; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by brothers Charles Irwin and infant Homer Irwin, sisters Mary Hughes and Sallie Garberson, and brother-in-law Vernon Hughes. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 3:00pm 7:00pm at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Geoff Eubank will be held at the Columbus Grove Christian Church on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 11:30am. There will be a private burial at Truro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial contribution to the Columbus Grove Christian Church and Putnam County Home Health and Hospice.
