Louise Downey Garrett, age 86, of Paducah, went home to be with the Lord at 3:20 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2012, from her residence.

Born in Raleigh, Illinois, Louise volunteered during World War II as a clerk at a flight training school in Sikeston, Missouri. Louise worked as an insurance clerk at Western Baptist Hospital for 24 years. She had also worked at Jackson Purchase Medical, Purchase Dermatology, and for Bennett’s Market. Throughout her life, music was Louise’s passion; she served as organist at Hardmoney Baptist Church for 40 years. She was a member of the Freemont Baptist Church, where she was pianist for 13 years. Louise also played the organ for the mid-week service at Western Baptist Hospital for 20 years.

Louise is survived by 4 daughters, Gayle Balkey and her husband, Robert, Susie Walker, Cindy Childs, and Kim Duncan and her husband, Danny, and 2 sons, Danny Garrett and his wife, Mimi, and Steve Garrett and his wife, Lisa, all of the Hardmoney Community. She is also survived by 1 sister, Betty Bradley of Raleigh, Illinois; along with 15 grandchildren, Chris Balkey, Jeremy Balkey, Denise Crane, Kristi Shelburn, Phil Walker, Holly Jones, Tabitha Bell, Mariana Garrett, Brennon Garrett, Daniel Garrett, Wesley Garrett, Stacy Vaughn, Ashley Childs, Lindsey Childs, and Anna Duncan, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Louise was preceded in death by 1 son-in law, Steve Childs. Her parents were Carl and Martha Roberts Downey.

Her family believes that Proverbs 31:10-28 best personifies Louise’s life. “She is worth far more than rubies. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family. She sets about work vigorously; her arms are strong for her task. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction. She watches over her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed.”

A celebration of the life of Louise Downey Garrett will take place at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012, at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Larry Smith and Rev. Harley Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 16, 2012, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

You may light a candle or leave a message of comfort at www.milnerandorr.com.