Ruby Louise Downing Vorbeck passed away in Port Townsend, Washington, surrounded by her family on Nov. 4, 2021, at the age of 94.
Born Oct. 20, 1927, in Winwood, Missouri to Harry Logan Downing Sr. and Ruby Evelyn Swigelson Downing, Louise lived in Kansas City, Missouri for 87 years before joining her younger brother and his family in Port Townsend for the final seven years of her life.
Her father worked on the Wabash Railroad. Growing up during the challenging times of the Great Depression, Louise drew on great strength of character and determination to overcome this obstacle and achieve a very successful career and personal life. She was an independent woman before her time.
Louise was an extremely intelligent, hard-working, and determined woman. She graduated from North Kansas City High School, then began working at the entry-level of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and rose to a top managerial position. She traveled the world, never stopped learning, and learned to play bridge at the age of 70 and immediately won a bridge tournament! She was president of her equestrian club. Active in her community, she volunteered at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and several hospitals.
Louise loved the finer things in life and was always exquisitely coiffed, well-dressed, and sparkled with her beloved jewelry. She was supportive and generous to her family and friends. Louise loved a party, and her door was always open seven days a week at 4 p.m. to anyone who wanted to join her for Happy Hour.
When she turned 80, a birthday party was held in her honor in Kansas City, Missouri, and was attended by more than 50 of her friends and family.
Louise was preceded in death by her father, Harry Logan Downing Sr.; mother, Ruby Evelyn Swigelson Downing; brother, Ralph Leonard Downing; and nephew, Leonard Ralph (Cheryl) Downing; former husbands Herbert Halstenberg and Charles Vorbeck; and lifelong best friend, Connie Cox. She is survived by her little brother, Dr. Harry “Tony” Logan Downing (Rosemarie); niece Christina Downing; nephews Sean Logan Downing, Michael Downing (Nicolle), Robert Downing (Marla), and Steven Downing (Kelley); in addition to grand-nephews Logan Downing and Justen Downing; grand-nieces Miranda Downing, Chloe Downing, Callie Downing, and Kamryn Downing; several step-children; many step-grandchildren; and dear friend, Monsignor Robert Gregory.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later time in Kansas City, Missouri.
Among the many places close to her heart were:
The Greater Humane Society of Kansas City Missouri
Hospice of Jefferson County
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri
Louise’s family would like to express their gratitude to all of the wonderful caregivers at Avamere of Port Townsend who went above and beyond in their care for her during her final years and to the quality support of Jefferson Healthcare Hospice.
