Rebecca A. Dowden, 80, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, IN.  She was born on November 20, 1942 in Auburn, IN to the late Dallas Leroy & Myrtle Irene (Friend) Christlieb.  She married Marvin LeRoy Dowden on January 19, 1959 in New Haven, IN and he preceded her in death on May 24, 2017.

Surviving are sons, David Dowden of Auburn and Douglas Dowden of Butler; canine companion, Cody; grandchildren, Brandy (Randy) West of Simpsonville, SC, Bryan Dowden of Butler and Robert (Chelsea) Dowden of Indianapolis; great grandchildren, Alyshia "AJ" West & Conner West of Simpsonville, SC and Natalynn Dowden of Butler.

She was preceded in death by a daughter & son-in-law, DeeAnn & John Crecelius; daughter-in-law, Katherine Dowden; brothers, Dallas L. Christlieb, John J. Christlieb, David R. Christlieb; sister, Esther I. Cook and a half-brother, Guy Christlieb.

Rebecca worked at Cooper Standard for 30 1/2 years. She helped her beloved husband farm and together they mowed the Riverside Cemetery in St. Joe, IN for 20 years.  They pulled ponies and then went into raising and showing registered Belgium draft horses.  She loved attending the kid's sporting events.  Rebecca & Marvin traveled to 49 states (all but Alaska).  She loved gardening and growing strawberries & tomatoes.  After retiring, she loved playing Farm Town on the computer with her friends.

Calling will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, IN.  Burial will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery, St. Joe, IN.