Leola P. Downey, Ford, passed away at home on September 10, 2026. Born on June 14, 1947, in Dodge City, Kansas, Leola was the beloved daughter of Richard and Viola (Specht) Stateler.

Leola was a graduate of Dodge City High School, Class of 1965, and she chose to remain a lifelong resident of the area. On September 16, 1972, she married the love of her life, Tom Downey, in Dodge City. They shared a beautiful life together until his passing on June 1, 2007.

A devoted homemaker, Leola dedicated her life to nurturing her family. She is survived by her children: Steve Downey and his wife Gina, of Ford, Rick Downey and wife Melba, and Mendy McGregor and husband Roy, of Dodge City, a son-in-law, Bruce Berger, of Ensign. Leola's family expanded to include 10 adoring grandchildren: Colton (Kate) Downey, Cody (Lacy) Berger, Taryn Berger and fiancé Cooper, Claire (Aaron) O'Hair, Collin Berger, Ryan McGregor, Connor Berger and fiancé Sierra, McCoy Downey, Remington Downey, Myrick Downey and 11 treasured great-grandchildren. Her sister, Vae Kreger, and her husband Jim, of Jetmore, along with many nieces and nephews that held a special place in her heart.

Leola was a dedicated member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City. Her community involvement included; avid bowler and served as the treasurer for the Thursday Morning Coffee bowling team. Leola’s passion for cooking shone through, especially during family gatherings. She was also a 4-H Leader and contributed her time as a Ford County poll worker for elections.

Leola enjoyed playing bridge, watching her grandkids participate in activities, traveling to Colorado, going to the lake, and loved sight-seeing.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Marca Berger, her brother Stan Stateler, her sisters Violeta Brander and Viola "Marie" Wattier, and her grandchildren Maya McGregor and Destry Downey.

Vigil service will be at 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Wednesday at COLG with Fr. Wesley Schawe and Fr. Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial will follow in Greencrest Memorial Gardens, Dodge City. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon to 4:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City.

The family kindly suggests memorials to Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas or the Ronald McDonald House of Wichita in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. 

Leola P. Downey will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends, who carry forward her legacy of love and faith. She will be remembered for her unwavering strength and the sweetness she brought into the lives of all who knew her.