Marilyn Grace Downing, age 87 of Mullen, passed away Wednesday December 6, 2017 at Pioneer Memorial Rest Home in Mullen.

Marilyn was born on September 10, 1930 in Mullen, NE to William H. and Sarah T. (Thomas) Bramer.  She spent her school years in the Mullen Public School.  After graduation she attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.  She was a lifetime member of the University Alumni Association and an avid fan of the Cornhuskers.  Marilyn married Daniel C. Deibler, Jr. and together they had 6 children, Pamela, Daniel C. III, Scott, Christopher, Douglas and Gail.  After Dan’s death in 1966, Marilyn married Howard V. Downing.  Howard passed away in 1996.  Marilyn was a 75-year member of the United Methodist Church in Mullen, where she actively served on many committees.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women, a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she also served as Coordinator of the Red Cross Bloodmobile in Mullen for over 20 years.

Marilyn is survived by her 6 children; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents William and Sarah Bramer; husbands Daniel Deibler and Howard Downing; and grandson Michael Jeffrey Deibler.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Mullen United Methodist Church, the Mullen Ambulance Service, Pioneer Memorial Rest Home, or Cedarview Cemetery.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. MST on Monday, December 11, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Mullen with Reverend Insung Kim officiating.  Burial will follow at the Cedarview Cemetery.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.