Betty Jean Downen of Shawneetown

Betty Jean Downen, age 87 and a lifelong Shawneetown resident, passed on this life on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019 at her home.

Betty was born in Shawneetown on April 5, 1932 to the late Hank and Opal (Maynard) Deitz. On April 14, 1949 she married the love of her life, Bob Downen, who survives. They had been married 70 years.

Betty worked for many years as the director of the Gallatin County Housing Authority. She was known for her gourmet cooking, and she had a kindness for others that was always true. She was very innovative, but mostly loved her family. She enjoyed being with children, grandchildren and friends. Betty always had a smile and kind word for you. She will be missed.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Bob, of Shawneetown; sons, Bobby (Katie) Downen, John David (Lori) Downen, Steve (Kristy Bosaw) Downen and Matt (Julie) Downen; grandchildren, Courtney Downen, Jordan Ahrens, Hank, Kassidy, Lucas and Wyatt Downen, Hayley, Rogers, Cale Downen and Maggie Downen; great-grandchildren, Henry, Megan, Gracie, Jake, Ava, Kaden, Drew, Liam, Walker, Barrett and Graham; and one great-great-grandchild, Joseph.

Betty was also survived by her caretaker for over 20 years, Ruth Bell.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Chris Downen; a brother, Tommy Jo Deitz; and a sister, Linda Westbrook.

Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. Her funeral will immediately follow, with the Rev. Roger Lyons and the Rev. Wade Halva officiating.

She will be laid to rest in the Westwood Cemetery near Shawneetown.

Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Shawneetown Library or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes are available at Cox & Son Funeral Home.

You may choose memorial gifts or leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com.