Barbara Anne (Moser) Downs

Barbara Anne (Moser) Downs, 84, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at Stratford Memory Care Center in Overland Park, KS.

Born on February 5, 1941, to parents Elizabeth Belle (Dilts) and Jason Lee Moser, Anne was raised in the small community of Wren, Ohio. She graduated valedictorian of her class then attended Purdue University. Anne graduated with a BS in Elementary Education, later attending the University of Missouri earning her Masters in Guidance and Counseling.

While attending Purdue, Anne was sledding down Col. Clark’s Hill and literally ran into William Alan Downs. Anne and Bill were married on June 27, 1964, recently celebrating their 60th Anniversary. They made their home in Warrensburg, MO from 1968 to 1999 when they retired and moved to Mansfield, OH. They spent over 20 years in Mansfield, OH before moving to Olathe, KS.

Anne had a lifelong love of learning. She enjoyed traveling the United States and the world. She visited numerous countries including China, Germany, Russia, Peru, Australia and Italy plus many others. She was an avid reader, talented cross-stitcher, and could answer most every question on Jeopardy. She devoted her time to several academic & civic organization throughout her life and was involved with many committees at the Presbyterian Churches in Warrensburg, MO and Ashland, OH.

Anne was a proud mother & grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Downs of Olathe, KS; her daughter Jennifer Anne VanArsdalen of Ontario, OH, and her children Lucas, Parker and Cooper VanArsdalen of Mansfield, OH; her son, Andrew James Downs, his wife Kelly Emily Downs, and their children Samuel, Trey and Adler Downs of Olathe, KS. She is also survived by her two loving sisters, Jill Bowen and Jane Moser-Miller.

Anne will be remembered for her beautiful smile, quick wit, sense of humor and her love of family. No service will be held at this time. A celebration of life is being planned for family. Instead of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the ‘Bill and Anne Downs Non-Traditional Student Scholarship (QCD)’ at the University of Central Missouri. Smiser Alumni Center, Warrensburg, MO.