Elizabeth McDowell

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann McDowell, 96, went to be with the Lord on January 29, 2025. She was at home, surrounded by family. Betty Ann was born in Van Lear, Kentucky on January 24, 1929, to parents John and Bertha McKay. After high school, she relocated to California, Pennsylvania where she met her husband of 72 years, Clyde (Bud) Arthur McDowell, and started a family. She spent her later years in York County, Pennsylvania where she and Bud could be close to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Throughout her life, family was the most important thing to Betty Ann. She married Bud on January 19, 1953. They had two children: Michael McDowell and Bertha Gaskill. Betty Ann and Bud welcomed daughter-in-law Evelyn Zahand McDowell and son-in-law David Gaskill to the family and rejoiced as the family grew to include five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren - Jonathan McDowell, David Gaskill (wife -Leigh, children – Connor, Rowan), Steven McDowell (wife – Samantha, children – Sean, Jackson, Mia), Kelli Mesure (husband – Ryan, children – Paul, Andrew), and Katie Iozzino-Schiefer (husband – Glenn, child – Josie). She had wonderful relationships with her siblings; Grace Cairns (husband William (Sheen) Cairns), Jack McKay (wife Susan Anderson McKay), and Jayne Behary (husband Andrew Behary). Betty Ann maintained close ties with nieces, nephews and cousins as well. 

Betty Ann’s life was guided by her Faith. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of California, Pennsylvania. It was there, through the church choir, that she found her passion for music. While raising her family and caring for her aging parents, she made time to serve as a Deacon. She worked as a teacher’s aide and election worker until retirement. In all that she did, Betty Ann served the Lord, family and friends. Those who knew her admired her kindness and were inspired by her selflessness. Every day, Betty Ann felt gratitude for the abundance of love in her life. 

A public Memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 23, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 303 4th Street, California, PA 15419. There will be a gathering beginning at 12:00 for those who wish to visit with the family, followed by a Memorial service starting at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the church.