Jill Jarrell Downard, age 59, of Jackson, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, August 4, 2018 at the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio. She was born May 30, 1959 in Chillicothe, Ohio, daughter of David C. Jarrell and Beverly M. Roof Bragg.
Jill was a 1977 graduate of Jackson High School, and then furthered her education by obtaining a degree in Environmental Science from Shawnee State University. Following over 25 years of employment, Jill retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, where she was a Mining and Reclamation Inspector. Jill had many passions during her life, including nature photography, horse barrel racing, Harley Davidson riding and flower gardening. She also created the group “Ohio’s Wild Flowers And Flora-Native, Alien, and Escaped”, for those who love to locate, photograph, identify and share their knowledge of wildflowers and flora in Ohio. Jill was a beloved individual who was devoted to her family and friends. She is survived by her mother and step-father, Beverly and Gene Bragg of Jackson; her husband, Bruce Downard of Jackson; step-sons and daughters-in-law, Luke and Angie Downard of Jackson and Travis and Natalia Downard of Wellston; granddaughter, Jayla Downard; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jayne and Lester Callahan of Wellston and Julie and Brandon Weber of Jackson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Scott and Tami Downard of Wellston and T.C. and Jacquie Downard of Wellston; nieces and nephews, Jarrell Callahan, Sara Weber, Tyler Weber, Blake Weber, Gabe Downard, Darcy Perkins (Chris), Blake Downard (Samie) and Zach Downard; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends. Jill was preceded in death by her father, David Jarrell, and her brother, Jeff Jarrell.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will follow the calling hours at 1 P.M. with Pastor Karen Adams officiating. Burial will be in the Ridgewood Cemetery.