Melanie D'Ann Downie

Melanie D'Ann (Webb) Downie, 48, Topeka, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021. Melanie was born September 29, 1972 in Topeka, the daughter of Bobbi D. (Durham) Harvey and Ronald D. Webb, Sr.

After graduating from Washburn Rural High School, she received a Bachelor's Degree from Washburn University and a Master's Degree from Emporia State University. Melanie was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Alpha Upsilon chapter at Washburn University.

She began her teaching career at Topeka Collegiate School. In 2008 she returned to USD 437 and started teaching at Jay Shidler Elementary School. After completing her Master's Degree in 2015 she became the School Library Media Specialist at Auburn Elementary School. Melanie was always researching for ways to pass on her passion for reading to her students. She was known for greeting her students every morning with "what's up buttercup."

Melanie enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She cheered for her Kansas State Wildcats while being surrounded by Jayhawk fans. She also enjoyed golfing, even though she didn't think she was very good at it. When one of her dear friends wanted to paint 5 murals in NOTO one year Melanie was there for hours and hours and she talked to every person who passed by. Melanie had the ability to connect and make people feel special. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile that brought a different kind of sunshine to this world and her contagious laugh. She was kind, loyal and you could always count on her love and support.

Grateful to have shared her life are her daughters, Payton and Kendal Lowrey; son Kristopher Lowrey; step-son Tristin Downie and her granddaughter, Brayleigh Lowrey. She is also survived by her mother, Bobbi (Jerry) Harvey; father, Ron (Theresa) Webb, Sr; her sisters, Amber (Hugh) Renyer and Janet (Amy) Duffer-Harvey; and her brothers, Ron Webb, Jr and Joseph (Lindsey) Webb and her step sisters, Melanie Batterton, Rachel (Greg) Deiter, Amanda (Chris) Brunkow.

She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many dear friends who were like family to her.

Melanie was preceded in death by her husband, Justin Downie; grandparents, Peggy and Eugene Durham, Jessie and Jim Corpening, Frank Webb and RosaLee and Walter Harvey.

The family will greet family and friends from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 W. 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.

A Remembrance Celebration of Melanie's life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Auburn-Washburn Public Schools Foundation to benefit the Auburn Elementary School Library. Donations may be sent to 5928 SW 53rd St., Topeka, KS 66610, online at www.auburnwashburnfoundation.org or in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.

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