Frances "Madge" Downing, 96, of rural Brazil, died at 1:54 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2004, in St. Vincent Clay Hospital.

She was born in Jackson Township, Clay County, on Oct. 20, 1907, to Frank Englehart and Myrtle Sallady Englehart. They later moved to Marshall, Ill. After three years, they returned to Jackson Township where she resided the rest of her life.

She was a 1925 graduate of Brazil High School and later attended Brazil Business College. For several years, she had been employed in the county assessor's office at the courthouse.

She enjoyed traveling and the company of friends. She was a member of the Harmony Community Church.

On Jan 25, 1930, she married Clarence "Cap" Downing, who was a widely known and popular auctioneer in the Clay County area. He died Aug. 29, 1975.

Her only survivors are second cousins and many faithful friends.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Miller Memorial Chapel. The Rev. James Buck will officiate and interment will be in Summit Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. Tuesday until time of services.