Mary Ann Downs, 69 of Nevada, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Mary Ann was born June 26, 1954, at Ft. Benjamin Harrison Military Base, Indianapolis, IN, the daughter of John Thomas and Helen Irene (McPhearson) Aunkst. She graduated from Brashaw High School in Nebraska in 1972 and was united in marriage to Kenneth Walter Downs on June 26, 1982, in Central City, Nebraska. Mary Ann worked for the Nevada School District in Special Education and was a cheerleading coach, retiring in 2016.

Mary Ann was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Nevada, where she was active with the UMW, praise band and teaching Sunday school. She volunteered at the Harmony Clothing Closet, Fresh Start Furniture Ministry, MUMS Camp and was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader. Mary Ann also coached softball and was part of the Junior Wrestling Club.

Mary Ann enjoyed ice skating and roller skating in her early years. She also enjoyed reading a good book and swimming. She especially loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and summers at their cabin in Lake Marie, Missouri. She changed the life of many children as a foster mom.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Ken of Nevada; her children: Joey Bottorf (Kemberly Ziegenhon) of Nevada, Misty (Paul) Hermansen of Grand Junction, Jamie (Dan) Deveno of Nevada, Jeremy "Bear" Bottorf (Katie Jondle) of Cambridge, Joe (Nicole) Downs of Clarksville, TN and Angelica Casari of Sardegna, Italy; her 15 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and her siblings: John (Paula) Aunkst, James (Donna) Aunkst, Patty (Bob) Clouser, Arlene (Randy) Wilson, David (Rhonda) Aunkst, Carl Aunkst, Patrick Aunkst, Robert (Laurie) Aunkst and Shawn (Linda) Aunkst. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Michael Aunkst and Daniel Butow.

A visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. Her funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church (1036 7th Street) in Nevada with Pastor Deb Copple officiating. Interment will follow at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.fumcnevada.org

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harmony Clothing Closet in Nevada or the Children's Camp Fund through the First United Methodist Church in Nevada.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.