Darlene Downs was aware last week that these were the final days for her mother.

Edythe Sealey Myer, who spent her final years at Beth Haven in Bethany Homes of Ripon, had recently fallen ill.

She passed away on Sunday at 105 years old.

“We had two parties for her (105th birthday) this past year,” said Downs. “One was a family celebration and the other was at Beth Haven.”

Locally, Edythe and Cleo Sealey – he was known to most as “Curley,” who passed away in 1985 – were the owners and operators of Manteca Feed and Supply store currently known as Old McGowan’s Feed store at the same 398 E. Lathrop Rd. location.

Edythe was also a long-time employee at Brown-Mahin department store in Manteca, according to Downs.

“In the 1960s, she was voted ‘Manteca’s Most Courteous Sales Clerk’ sponsored by the Manteca Rotary Club,” Downs recalled.

Many people remembered her mother from back then.

“They still recognized her from her days at Brown-Mahin,” Downs said.

Her mother was born Edythe Mae Lyions on June 10, 1914 in Walback, NE.

In 1928, Edythe married Curley Sealey in Nebraska. They moved west in 1942, settling in Manteca.

She and Curley had two sons and two daughters – Donna, Donald, Darwin (Cooney) and Darlene.

Edythe and Curley spent their retired years traveling and spending time with family. They were together for 56 years – Curley died after a short illness.

Edythe continued to travel. This time, she would go with friends while still spending time with family, including her children and grandchildren.

In 1994, Edythe, who was 80, married Jack Myer of Ripon.

She then moved to Ripon, where she and Jack lived happily until Jack’s death in 2003, Downs said.

Edythe Sealey Myer lived a long, healthy and happy life.

“One of her secrets was her ability to adjust and conform to life’s changes. In her 105 years, she saw many, many changes in the way of life in our country – work, wages, medical treatments, transportation, homes, cooking, and music. She adapted to them all and, remarkably, kept up with most of it,” Downs said.

By 2010, she was in need of assisted living, and moved into Beth Haven.

“(My mother) appreciated the care and assistance that she received during her years there and from all of the staff. They always showed their care and concern for her, which made her feel at home,” Downs said.

Edythe Sealey Myer is survived by her daughter Darlene and son in law Clyde Downs of Ripon; local grandchildren David Cabrera, Darryl Cabrera, Kelly Downes-Robinson, Scott Downes; seven more grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and 10 great, great grandchildren.