Maxine Ashwell Dowdy, 89 of Huddleston, passed away Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was born on Wednesday, March 29, 1922 in Roanoke, a daughter of the late Martin Luther Ashwell and Cordie Comena Leftwich Ashwell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lucian Arthur Dowdy and her brother, Marshall Page Ashwell, Sr. She was a retired employee of Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company having been the secretary of the Bedford office for many years. She was also a hairdresser and a member of Huddleston United Methodist Church. Surviving is her brother, Bobbie W. Ashwell & wife, Jeanne of Huddleston; sisters-in-law, Gladys Ashwell and Margaret Cutshaw, both of Huddleston; her aunt, Marie Creasey of Huddleston as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11 AM at Huddleston United Methodist Church with Rev. David Bayse officiating. Interment will follow in Leftwich Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday after 2 PM and and the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.