Cynthia Jo McDowell

Rev. Cynthia Jo McDowell, age 82, of Fruita, CO. passed away December 21, 2024. Her children and many grandchildren were able to be at her bedside at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction where she succumbed to a stroke she had suffered a few days earlier. A meaningful gathering of worship, bible readings, and memories was held at Cynthia’s bedside. Her remains will be interned at the cemetery in Beaver Creek, MN in 2025. Cynthia, the daughter of Lucille and Lawrence Eads, was born May 24, 1942 in Luverne, MN. Her parents lived nearby in Beaver Creek, MN. where she spent her childhood.

She graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1960. Throughout her life, her faith was important to her. She was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek. In December 1995 she graduated from Dubuque Seminary. She served in several rural churches in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois.

Cynthia married Dennis McDowell in 1959 at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne, MN. Later in life she moved to Fruita, CO to be near her son Wade’s family. She was active in the Presbyterian Church choir there as well as other church groups. She had many friends at Independence Village, where she lived. She so enjoyed being able to travel to join her children for many birthdays and holidays. Her unexpected passing came just days before she was to travel to join her daughter Stacy's family for Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Lawrence Eads, ex-husband Dennis McDowell, and her beloved dog Rosa. Survivors include her children Lynda McDowell (Dan Studelska) of St. Louis, MO, June Green (Doug) of Knoxville, TN, Wade McDowell (Stacy Lynn) of Minot, ND, and Stacy Jo Brallier, of Brookings, SD. She is also survived by her brother Roger Eads of Elgin, Il, and sister Mary Soulek of Sioux Falls, SD and her 8 grandchildren James (Lynda and Dan), Ashley and Dylan (June and Doug), Aaron, Meaghan, and Ally (Wade and Stacy), Cassandra and Derek (Stacy Brallier), and 11 great grandchildren.