Erva Irene Downing was born October 25, 1939 to P. Guy Mathews and Edna Imagene Beeler-Mathews. Early in her life, her family lived in Two Buttes Colorado raising Broom Corn, however most of her years growing up were spent in Lamar. In 1960, P. Guy opened his own store. Perhaps, this is where Erva got here since of entrepreneurship and drive to open thriving beauty salons later in her life. In 1957, Erva graduated high school from Lamar and later married Gary Downing. That union resulted in the birth of two wonderful children: Shannon Downing and Jay Downing. Erva lived a few years in California but in 1965, moved back to Lamar in time for the flood. In 1967, she attended beauty college in Denver. She opened the Stage Coach Beauty Salon that became a thriving business in the Lamar area. During the filming of the movie "Bad Lands" the cast could even be found having manicures, pedicures, shampoos, and sets in the local hot spot. In 1976, She opened a beauty salon from home and continued to earn the respect of local women and men alike.  Her passion for hair continued throughout her life as she did hair at the local nursing homes as well as the Legacy. She worked for both funeral homes in Lamar, doing hair throughout the stages of life. Even while residing in the nursing home in Springfield, she loved the idea of having weekly manicures, however, she quickly learned that the staff was not properly trained.

Erva was a natural caretaker of her family, friends, and others. Erva cared for her mother and sister during their battles with cancer. She cared for her children during their ailments and injuries, even making Jay blended tacos, she he could taste something with flavor while healing from a broken jaw. She loved caring for the residents of the nursing home, including Grandma Mary.

Being a Beautician was Erva's passion in life along with her children and grandchildren. She also had a passion for art, the outdoors, collections, and Elvis Presley. Erva made beautiful stained-glass pieces and painted rocks with her granddaughters. She loved fishing, canoeing, and working in her yard with the flowers. Erva had an eye for collectibles. She loved southwest items, Barbies, oil lamps, and ANYTHING related to Elvis. A good friend of Erva's bought her a life-size cut out of Elvis that sat in her living room and was one of her favorite collectibles. Her closest companions were her dogs, Smudge, affectionately known as "Bubba" and a little later came "Lillie".

On October 3, 2018, with her loving daughter at her side, surrounded by caring nurses, after a long struggle with chronic illness, Erva passed through heavens gates. Erva is proceeded in death by her parents, P. Guy and Edna Imagene, her sisters Annie and Ramona "Boby", and, her furry companion, Smudge. She is survived by her children Shannon (Keith) Gerber of Springfield, Jay Downing of Lamar, grandchildren Heath (Tawnia) Gerber and daughter Autumn of Lewistown MT, Lance Gerber of Greely, Jaylene (Gabe) Adkins and daughter Jada of Brighton, Meagan Downing and daughters Kynnadigh and Londyn of Lamar, Brendon Downing of Lamar, Brandon Downing and son Frankie of Lamar, Jenna Gerber of Walsh, and Alexa (Andrew) Gutschenritter of Chanute KS. She is also survived by her sister Hazel (Jim) Whiting of Lamar as well as her close friend Peg (Robert) Weber and their family of Sheridan Lake.