Lois J. Dowling

Lois J. Dowling, 84, of Cambridge, died Thursday (May 2, 2013) at Genesis-Good Samaritan Medical Center, Zanesville. She was born August 24, 1928 in Manchester, daughter of the late Arthur R. Rennie and Lura G. (Corneal) Rennie. Mrs. Dowling retired from the former Cambridge State Hospital, where she had worked as an LPN for eighteen years. She grew up riding her pony around Manchester and later helped break horses on her parents' farm. During the war, she traded in her pony for a bike and delivered mail at the Goodyear plant in Akron. She married the love of her life in 1947, James L. "Jim" Dowling. Her children grew up in a home hearing, "I love you", "I believe in you", and "Where's my comb?" - the latter was always replied with a long-suffering sigh from their father "I wish you kids would leave her comb alone". Mrs. Dowling loved to cross-stitch (even the backs looked perfect), paint ceramics, and a multitude of other crafts. She adored spending time with her family, particularly at Salt Fork Lake. She was a member of the Irish Ridge United Methodist Church. Her life was lived in the absolute love of Christ and the love for her family. Through all hardships, she never uttered a complaint. "We'll just have to pray about it. Everything will be alright." She loved her family beyond measure and you were not permitted to leave the house without a hug - members who forgot to were called back out of their cars for one. Well her hugs were the best. They were warm and loving, just like her. And they were special, just like her. She was humble and filled with grace. There will never be enough paper nor words to express who she was or how terribly, how heart-achingly she will be missed. She will forever be the example we can only strive to live up to. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James, who died May 8, 2005; a daughter, Sandy Dowling; an infant brother and an infant sister; and a son-in-law, Mike Stonebrook. She is survived by a son, Ron (& Jan) Dowling of Cambridge; two daughters, Sheryl Stonebrook of Kimbolton and Shelley Dowling of Cambridge; four grandchildren, Jim Dowling, Cindy Stonebrook, Travis Stonebrook, and Tyler Dowling; and a great-grandchild, Aiden Stonebrook. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge. Funeral services will be held Monday (May 6, 2013) at 11 a.m. at the Irish Ridge United Methodist Church with Pastor Wilbur Bragg officiating. Burial will be at Irish Ridge Cemetery.