Betty Joan McDowell

RICHMOND, Ind. – Betty Joan McDowell, age 84, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Friends Fellowship Community. Born November 5, 1932, in Universal, Indiana, to Virgil and Bertha Rippy McDowell, Betty had lived in this community since 1954. She was a 1950 graduate of Clinton High School in Indiana, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1954 and Master of Science degree in education in 1964 from Indiana State University. Betty taught school at Boston Jr./Sr. High School and was a counselor at Dennis Middle School, retiring after 45 years of service. She was a member of the Wayne County Retired Teachers Association, Indiana State Teachers Association, and United Methodist Women of Wayne County. Betty volunteered as a Study Buddy and at the Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park. She was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Universal, Indiana, and attended Boston United Methodist Church. Survivors include her brother, Joseph (Myrt) McDowell of Clinton, Indiana; sisters-in-law, June McDowell of Universal, Indiana, and Mary Jane McDowell of Rockville, Indiana; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends, including special friend, James Reavis of New Castle, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Gerald and James McDowell. Visitation for Betty Joan McDowell will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, at Roselawn Memorial Park, 7500 N. Clinton, Terre Haute, Indiana. Graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017, in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Richmond High School Scholarship Alumni Association Fund, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374; Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Universal, IN 47884; or Boston United Methodist Church, 211 West Main, Boston, IN 47324, in memory of Betty McDowell. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Betty Joan McDowell

November 5, 1932 - April 18, 2017