Orpha K. (Kreipe) Downing

Orpha K. (Kreipe) Downing, 89, of Tecumseh, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018. She was born November 25, 1928 in Tecumseh, the daughter of George and Leona (Gordon) Kreipe.

Orpha graduated from Highland Park High School in 1946. She worked for various insurance companies, Frito Lay, Similar Mode, Big Lots and Nationwide Publishing. She was a Tupperware dealer and manager for over 45 years, working until she was 80 years old.

Orpha married Jack Shay. He preceded her in death. She married Chester Elmore. He preceded her in death. She married Lawrence Allison. He preceded her in death. She married Ron Downing. They later divorced. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Gordon (Bessie) Kreipe and Gene (Florence) Kreipe.

Survivors include children, Larry (Helga) Shay, Karen (Larry) Wilson, Sandy Staebell and Kathryne Ansell, ten grandchildren, Emily, Ryan, Michael, Crystal, Tyler, Harley, Brittany, Kevin, Andrew and Joshua, five great-grandchildren, Julia, Logan, Lillian, Norna and Elara. Also surviving are her siblings, Marva Lee (John) Powell and Karol (Leroy) Freeman. She loved her family and extended family.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Zion Cemetery southeast of Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St., Ste. 102, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

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