Flora E Downen Obituary (2023)

On October 29, 2023, our beloved mother and grandmother, Flora Elaine Downen, passed away, she was 94. Flora was born in Tekamah, Nebraska, to Lela and Earl Hicks, May 26, 1929. Flora worked for over thirty years for Washington Fruit, in Yakima, Washington, where she retired at the age of 72. She was such a hard worker. She just couldn't quite stay retired. She went in to selling Avon and loved it. Flora devoted her life to her husband, James Downen, and her children and grandchildren. She adored her family, and was the most amazing mother, grandmother. She would never miss a chance to show us love or help her children and do for us however she could, putting our needs first always. Flora is survived by two sisters, Janice Bourdon and Nola Alioth, one brother, Clyde Hicks, her son, Robert Zink and daughter-in-law, Karen Zink, her daughter, Debbie Clark (Zink), grandsons, Robbie Sylling, Ron Merrill, Bill Merrill, Casey Trujillo, Robert Zink, granddaughter, Janelle Zink, great-grandchildren, Jazmynn Swearngin, Nevaeh Lakey, Brandy Merrill, Ryan Merrill, Elijah Zink, Thomas Zink, Naomi Zink, Mason Syllings, Susie Syllings, and Ashley Syllings, and one great-granddaughter on the way February 2024. Flora is preceded in death by her husband, James Downen, mother, Lela Hicks, father, Earl Hicks, sister, Francis White, brothers, Laverne Hicks, Tommy Hicks, Donny Hicks, daughter, Judy Sylling, and son-in-law, Lyle Sylling, grandson, Norman Sylling, daughter, Linda Merrill, and son-in-law, Ron Merrill. A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 10:00am -12:00pm, with a Funeral Service beginning at 12:00pm, both held at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901). A Graveside Service will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Visitation Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Tuesday, November 7, 2023 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 201 N 2nd St. Yakima, WA 98901 Funeral Service Shaw and Sons Funeral Home Tuesday, November 7, 2023 12:00 PM 201 N 2nd St. Yakima, WA 98901 Graveside Service West Hills Memorial Park Tuesday, November 7, 2023 1:00 PM 11800 Douglas Road Yakima, WA 98908