Paralee Maxine (Fike) McDowell, age 87, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at Rosewood Care Center of Edwardsville. She was born in Granite City, Illinois, on February 8, 1928, daughter of the late Rector and Edith (Pace) Fike.

Paralee was raised during the Great Depression in Iberia and Granite City, Illinois. She graduated from Iberia High School in 1945. On July 20, 1946, Paralee married Leland Russell McDowell, who survives at the home. They began their blessed 69 years of marriage in Illinois. They purchased their present home in Collinsville, Illinois in June of 1952, where they raised their four sons.

Paralee started attending Meadow Heights Baptist Church in 1953. She was baptized in 1956 and continued to regularly attend church until her health prevented her to in 2006. Paralee loved family picnics, shopping, yard sales, and playing the organ. She was an excellent wife, mother, and a cheerful friend to all.

In addition to her husband Leland, she is also survived by four sons, Larry D. McDowell, Dennis K. McDowell, Richard L. McDowell and Russell R. McDowell; her twin sister, Glorialee Burnett; four grandchildren, Aaron McDowell and wife Michal, Matthew McDowell, Mandy McDowell, and Jennifer McDowell; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel McDowell and Drew McDowell; one nephew, Danny Wilson; one niece, Sheryl Smith and husband Robert; and two great-nephews, Mark and Todd Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rector and Edith Fike, one brother-in-law, Norman Burnett, two nephews, Bruce and Bradly Burnett; and many other relatives.

Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Paralee's son, Pastor Dennis McDowell, will officiate. Interment will be in Livingston Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Livingston Cemetery.