Martha A. “Duffer” Downen, 75, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital with her loving family by her side.
Martha was born on May 29, 1947 was the daughter of Samuel and Hazle Mae (Thorne) Downen.
Martha proudly served in the United States Airforce from 1965-1969 and was honorably discharged earning a Vietnam Medal. For 23 years she drove her school bus for South Knox and loved her kids. Duffer was best known for her fun, kind, and loving personality while serving her customers whom she considered family (you know who you are) at The Verne Store for the last 35 1/2 years.
Survivors include her siblings, Victor Downen (Karen) of Vincennes, Indiana , Sandy Downen of Bay Minette, Alabama, John Downen of New York, and Georgia Stasulis (Al) of Gulf Port, Mississippi; sister in-laws, Carol Downen of Wheatland, Indiana and Carolyn Downen of Vincennes, Indiana; her Ruby-Doo (Kylee Ann); lifelong best friend, Free (Frances); several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Hazle Mae; brothers, Sammy Downen, Robert Downen, Royal Downen, Paul Downen and Anthony Downen; sisters, Mary Abigail Downen, Rachael Lowe, and Gloria Worland.
A celebration of life with be celebrated on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Downen Farms, 1301 S. Hickory Corner Road, Vincennes, Indiana 47591 at 11:00 am. Duffer said NO FLOWERS!!! Instead, she requested memorial contributions to be made to the South Knox FFA. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Martha.
