Mary Elizabeth (Temple) Lowdermilk

Mary Elizabeth (Temple) Lowdermilk, 83, Mancos, Colorado, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 30, 2025. Born July 17, 1941, in Martinsville, Indiana to Forrest and Dorothy (Hoover) Temple, she was a cherished child and exceptionally caring daughter.

Mary was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A graduate of Delphi High School ‘59 and Indiana University ‘62, she was a member of Alpha Phi and earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. After graduation, marriage and the birth of her first child, she spent two years as a Navy wife at Guam NAS ‘64-’66.

Upon discharge relocating to Naples, Florida to settle and raise a family. Moving from Naples, she continued graduate studies later in life as her zeal for learning never ended. This passion for academics was seen in her time spent with her grandchildren ensuring they thrived in their education.

Mary had a lifetime commitment to guiding her children and grandchildren and was especially instrumental in their academic and career achievement. Mary not only influenced the success of her children and grandchildren, she touched the lives of their friends as all were welcome in her home. Her warmth and passion for life drew people to Mary and she put others before herself even in her later years. Her unselfish dedication through friendship and caring to her senior life community friends during the challenges of senior living and the pandemic are cherished by all that knew her.

Mary was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Delphi, Indiana and looked forward to her communion visits on Sunday as a member of the Montelores Catholic Community in southwestern Colorado.

Mary is survived by her children; Michael (Cindy) Lowdermilk, of Jupiter, Florida, Shawn (Jan) Lowdermilk of Marco Island, Florida, and Ann (Kerin McClure) Reed of Mancos, Colorado. Also survived by former husband and the father of her children, James Lowdermilk, LT, USN (1964 - 1966) Naples, Florida. She adored her grandchildren; Matt (Ashlee) Lowdermilk of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Alex Lowdermilk of Marco Island, Florida, Capt. Miles (Ana) Rivera of Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Carrie Rivera of Los Angeles, California, Taylor Lowdermilk of Marco Island, Florida, 2nd Lt. Seth Rivera of Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, Lyndsay Lowdermilk of Marco Island, Florida; and great grandchildren, Madelynn and Brooke Lowdermilk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Jesse Carlos Rivera Pagan of Vance Air Force Base; step grandchildren, Rachel (Melissa Carlson) Kiemele, Matthew (Claire) Kiemele, and Daniel (Erin) Kiemele; step great grandchild Amelia Rose Kiemele and numerous cousins who she held dear. Her faithful black labrador companion, George, will miss her every day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 20, 2025, beginning at 12 noon, located at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 207 N Washington St, Delphi, Indiana 46923, with Father Chris Miller the celebrant. Friends may visit with the family from 11 am until the time of the service. A private family burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Delphi.

Memorial contributions honoring the life of Mary may be made out to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Shirey Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolences may be made online at www.shireyfh.com