Reita Katherine Amy Downing of Taylor Ridge passed away April 20, 2016, at UnityPoint, Trinity, Rock Island.

Graveside memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Those wishing to attend are to meet at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, 3030 - 7th Ave., Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the Rock Island County Animal Care and Control Shelter (QC Paws).

Reita was born May 12, 1925 in Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of Crystle Katherine Cilicous Amy and Enos P. Amy. Her family traveled around because her father was a career Navy man. Her family eventually settled in Rock Island, where she graduated from Rock Island High School and lived in the Quad Cities for the rest of her life.

On February 10, 1951, she married her husband Robert E. Downing. They were avid square dance members, belonging to the group "The Pepper Steppers." Reita worked at Frank's Furniture as a Credit Care Manager and then moved on to St. Anthony's Business Office. She finished her working career by becoming the head of the business office for Franciscan Hospital retiring in June of 1987. In the winter of 1987, Reita and Robert became snowbirds in Arizona, living in Sunlife on "D" Street. She especially loved sewing and painting. Her greatest treasure was her family, to whom she was lovingly known as "Tootie."

Survivors include: her husband of 65 years Robert Downing; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Frances Amy, Milan; nephew, Richard (Kay) Amy, Illinois City; niece, Reita (Michael) Kuster, Taylor Ridge; 5 great nephews; 1 great niece; and 9 proud great greats. She was especially close to two great nephews, Rickey (Krystle) and Matt (Chelsea) Kuster, of Andalusia; and great niece, Gail (DJ) Hahn of Rock Island. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Boyd, and her beloved dog Snoopy.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com