Rebecca Lou Downey

Rebecca “Becky” Lou Downey, age 93, passed away July 17, 2021. She was born June 10, 1928, in Belgrade to George Vernon Spring and Sara Olive (Bailey) Spring. Becky attended schools in Belgrade and Sheridan.



Becky had a strong willpower as she proved by overcoming some major medical issues during her life. Some say she had the nine lives of a cat. Truth be known, she had the lives of two cats!! She firmly believed in God and loved listening to gospel songs by Tennessee Ernie Ford.



She married William “Bill” Downey in April of 1964. She and Bill had a tremendous love for each other, and he loved spoiling her until his passing in August of 1982.



Becky was a hard worker. She worked at the Pea Cannery in Sheridan. She then returned to Bozeman where she began her 45-year waitressing career at the Colonel’s Restaurant, the Baxter Hotel Restaurant and Wongs Chinese Restaurant. Becky took great pride in knowing her customers by name and remembering their favorite foods. She was considered one of the fastest waitresses in town, by those who knew her. And if you

remember eating at Wongs, you most likely remember Becky as the one with the toes cut out of her tennis shoes and her toenails painted red!



Though Becky had no children, she loved her siblings and their families and especially loved spoiling the nieces and nephews. Christmas was her favorite time of year because she loved buying and wrapping gifts. Sometimes it was hard to open them because they were so beautifully wrapped!



Becky was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, siblings, and their spouses: Bob (Gerry) Edens, Bill (Carol) Edens, Betty (Lou) Beaudoin, and Jim (Bebe) Spring. She is survived by her sister, Florence Groth-Curtis and husband Chuck Curtis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.



The family would like to extend a very special and grateful thanks to all the staff at Gallatin Rest Home for the loving and heartfelt care that Becky received there for the past five years. She considered them her second family. Also, many thanks to Bozeman Health Hospice and Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for their care and support.



It is suggested that donations be made in her name to Gallatin Rest home, or to your favorite charity, or give your favorite waitress an extra tip in honor of Becky. At Becky’s request, there will be no service. Private interment will be planned at a later date.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robyn Houghton Ross

Sorry Connie. I remember you and I going to their house and hanging out. Love her and Uncle Bill. I did love watching how quickly she worked the room. Everyone was waited on, had their food and were checked on. My prayers to you and the family.



Ken Strickler

I'm so sorry to hear about Becky. I don't know how many times I mowed and raked her yard, she was always so nice! She was so very good at her job, we always made sure to sit in her section. Please if you can and she understands let her know that we are thinking about her, and we are keeping her, your mom, and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love you!



Donna Leighton Houghton

Connie we always loved to tell people about Becky and what a great waitress she was always bussing around, taking care of everyone. There was 6 of us that went in often to see her she told us once bring your own beer just bring it in a bag. She was the best our prayers are with her and you and your family.



Teri Chambers Mazer

Oh, I am sorry to hear this. I remember her mostly as you and Debbie's Aunt. She was so good to me. Sending love, prayers and lots of love.



Terry Groth

So many memories....the tremendous love she and Bill had for each other....he loved spoiling her....visits to the Evergreen apartment....watching Becky buzz around Wong's from table to table....the toes cut out of her shoes....meeting her at the bank with her tips spread out on the counter....her excitement when she bought her Mustang convertible....still able to rock a miniskirt and boots at Christmas....she is one of a kind and we've all been lucky to know her....God bless!



Colette Adams

I always remember Aunt Becky and Uncle Bill at the dry cleaners! We used to stop in on our way home from school--especially when it was cold--and she was always so happy to see us and ask about our day and what the gossip was! She always had time for us.