0515 Rebecca McDowell

Born on Jan. 22, 1933, in Worthington, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Richard Thomas and Mary (Spedden) Friend.

Rebecca, a 1950 graduate of Davis High School, was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Elkins and a proud homemaker who found her greatest joy in nurturing her family. An avid reader with a lifelong passion for stories and knowledge, she cherished every moment spent with her loved ones, whether hosting lively family gatherings or embarking on memorable travels that enriched their lives together.

A faithful member of the Eastern Star and the United Methodist Women, Rebecca brought warmth and grace to every community she touched, delighting in preparing hearty meals and creating cherished traditions that drew her family close around the table for years to come.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey Carter McDowell and wife, Sandy, Richard Lynn McDowell and David Kirk McDowell and wife, LuAnn; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Susan, Michael, Riley, Miranda, Lydia and Lea; seven great-grandchildren, Evan, Andrew, Jacqueline, Carter, Jillian, Liam and Amelia; her daughter-in-law, Edie McDowell; and brother, William Friend.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Richard Carter McDowell; two children, Mary Susan McDowell and Matthew Alan McDowell; her granddaughter, Virginia “Lori” McDowell; her daughter-in-law, Catherine McDowell; and three siblings, Richard Friend, Virginia Friend Winters, and Carol Friend Huggins.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes — Davis Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Tim Edin officiating. Interment will follow in the Davis Cemetery.

The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the McDowell family.