AraLeene (Bagley) Downing

AraLeene Bagley Downing, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on August 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, faith, and deep love for her family. Born on April 10, 1939, in Eastland, Texas, she entered the world just months before the onset of World War II. She was the eighth of ten children born to Winston Kenneth Bagley and Anne Lorene Medlen Bagley. Preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and one sister. She is survived by her sisters: Joyce Crooks and Martha Mandell; and her two brothers: Walton Bagley and Pat Bagley. She is survived by her children: son, Jeff Downing (Shelly), daughter, Debra Capps (Brice), and Jo Ross (John). She has eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  

Ara’s early years were shaped by both hardship and hope. Her family eventually moved from Eastland to Collins, Mississippi, where her father worked in a lumber mill and on a blueberry farm. Times were hard, and as she often recalled, her Aunt Jo and Uncle Arlie came to Mississippi to bring the family back to Texas. They settled in Lefors and later in Canyon, Texas, where Ara would spend much of her formative years.  

She remembered with vivid clarity the day World War II ended—September 2, 1945—when the whole town erupted in joy, honking horns and celebrating in the streets. Even as a child, Ara showed a strong work ethic. By third grade, she was already washing dishes at the local college cafeteria for 60 cents an hour—and a meal. She learned Psalm 23 from a teacher, Mr. Sims, and could still recite it decades later.  

Life wasn’t always easy. Her family once lost their home to a fire, and she remembered grabbing her clothes as the house burned. In high school, she worked summers at the Sad Monkey Railroad, serving ice cream and cold drinks with a smile. She sang in the choir, shared wild car rides down the canyon, and mourned friends lost in the Vietnam War. She never forgot her class of 1957, proudly noting that even the Statler Brothers once wrote a song about them.  

In her senior year, she selflessly gave up her senior dance to help care for her grandfather, Wallace Bagley, who lived with the family. She will now be laid to rest beside him in Roaring Springs, Texas.  

Ara attended West Texas State College and wanted to become a teacher but chose instead to follow her heart. She married Allen Neil Downing, and together they farmed, raised three children, and built a life grounded in love and hard work. Ara drove the grain truck, gardened, sewed her children’s clothes, and cooked countless meals for her family and community. She was a dedicated member of the Home Demonstration Club, earning Woman of the Year in 1969, and played a role in shaping Randall County—helping to name roads like Hungate, Hailey, and Dowlen.  

Throughout her life, Ara wore many hats: grocery store employee, clinic receptionist, student loan office receptionist, and finally a proud retiree. After retirement, she moved to Spur, where she supported her daughter Debra at the Rowel and formed meaningful friendships. Never one to stop learning, she began painting at age 79 and remained an avid game player—especially Chinese checkers, cards, and Uno.  

Ara lived life with balance—she knew how to work hard, but also how to enjoy a good dance, a spontaneous adventure, and a joyful laugh. Her faith in Jesus was unwavering, and she prayed faithfully for her family, sharing the love of Christ with those around her, even in her final days at the Kent County Nursing Home and when with telemarketers that mistakenly called her. To her family, Ara was the keeper of memories and the heart of the future. She endured life’s hardships without complaint and gave strength to everyone around her. As she often said, “It will be OK. Yes, it is going to be OK.” And now, we take comfort knowing she is dancing on streets of gold, finally home.

A special thanks to the wonderful and loving staff at Kent County Nursing Home for the exceptional care she received and to Hospice of the South Plains,we want to thank you for the care and compassion you showed during her final journey.