Wanda Kay Downs, age 72, of rural Bryant passed away on Friday June 27, 2025 in Parkview Hospital Randalia in Fort Wayne.  She was born in Portland on February 8, 1953 the daughter of Max and Martha (Noble) Butcher.  She was married on June 17, 1995 to Roger Downs who survives.  Wanda was retired from Smith Brothers Furniture in Berne and was a dog groomer.  She was a Portland High School graduate, member of Bryant Wesleyan Church, raised and showed cocker spaniel dogs, avid Bengals fan and enjoyed NASCAR and dirt track racing.

Surviving is her husband Roger, one son Aaron Walter (wife Stephanie) of Dunkirk, two daughters Angie Stuckey (companion Bert West) of Hartford City and Carrie Schmit (husband Joe) of Portland, two brothers Mark Butcher (wife Jiao) of Pennville, Michael Butcher (wife Debbie) of Bryant, Five sisters Judy Simon (husband Tim) of Lansing, MI., Diane Bost (husband John) of Portland, Patty Meinerding (husband Jerry) of Bryant, Amy Crabtree (husband Barry) of Bryant and Lori Theurer (husband Reuben) of Portland, Nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a grandson Austin Coates.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 3rd at 2:00 PM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Van Cise presiding.  Burial will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday from 12:00 – 2:00 PM.  Memorials can be made to the Jay County Humane Society.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com