Tresslyn Price Downing

Tresslyn Price Downing was born May 29, 1921, in Gilman City, Missouri, to Layette and Ruth Price. In 1937, upon the young death of her mother, Tresslyn went to live with her Aunt Sarah and Vance Leeper in Casper, Wyoming. The Leepers and their two daughters made her a member of their family and she was always indebted to them for their kindness. She graduated from Natrona County High School in May of 1939.

After her graduation from high school, Tresslyn moved to Worland, Wyoming with the Leepers. There the Leepers let out rooms to service men needing boarding accommodations, and Tress met her future husband, Elmer Ray Downing. Tress and Elmer were married in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on July 21, 1946, and then made their home in Worland for over 62 years. They had three children: Dixie Muirhead and her husband, Chris, of Casper; Deb Wickam and her husband, Gary, of Casper, WY; and John Downing and his wife, Teri, of Candler, North Carolina.

Tress worked at Pepsi Cola and Holly Sugar in Worland and retired from Holly Sugar in 1986. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Worland for over 60 years. She was past President of American Baptist Women; volunteered at the Washakie Memorial Hospital; and worked the election booth for a number of years. She loved to crochet, embroidery, and to make delicious food for her family and friends. Some of her fondest memories were spending the summers camping in the Big Horn mountains with her grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her for her loving ways and beautiful smile.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, her mother and father, one sister, one brother, one nephew, and one great grandchild. She is survived by one sister, Rene Miller of Worland, three children, seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, nephew Dan Miller of Worland, other nephew and nieces and her extended sisters, Kay Harvey and Susan Wortham.

Tress's oldest great-grandson, Dalton Novotny, writes: We never know when something like this is going to happen that's what makes these events in our lives so tragic. Today my family and I lost someone who was a huge part of our lives. She inspired us to be our best and was there for us when we were at our worst. We will always love and miss her dearly. Our hearts are heavy but we rest easy that she is in a better place now.

No services are planned at this time. If you wish to remember our mom, sister and grandmother, take the time TODAY to have a piece of pie and coffee with a family member or a friend.