Find a Grave Memorial ID 190986330.
-----
OBITUARY
Shirley Ann (Rye) McDowell, passed peacefully at her home surrounded by family.
Born December 28, 1927 to Lloyd and Fannie (Hill) Rye. Shirley was raised in Pickford, MI. During WWll there was a provision to graduate early so she did. She boarded a train and headed to Washington, DC to work for the Library of Congress Naval Department. She had great stories of Washington, the excitement of the city with the parades, troops shipping out and especially volunteering at Walter Reed Hospital to help with the injured when they returned home. Her job was keeping tracking of the Naval Ships, so she always knew where the hometown boys were and if they were safe. One of those boys was Marvin McDowell, whom she later married on June 29, 1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. They settled in Pickford, MI and raised four children.
After her retirement from Pickford Schools, she enjoyed several years of painting classes with her friends in Raber. Shirley and Marvin also enjoyed taking their camper and traveling to Dulcimer and Fiddle Festivals.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marvin, brother Harry Rye, brother Richard (Loretta) Rye and brother-in-law Jack Howard.
Shirley is survived by her children; Carol (Tim) Storey, Bill (Dorothy) McDowell, Charles (Ella) McDowell and Myrna (Fred) Laundy. She is also survived by her brother Jim (Karen) Rye, sister-in-law Freda Howard and brother-in-law Dale (Alice) MacDowell. Grandchildren; Morgan and Kevin Laundy and Mark Calder.
Per Shirley's wishes, there will be a graveside service at Cottle Cemetery in Pickford, MI on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:00 am. Everyone is invited to join us as she is joined with her husband of nearly 70 years.