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CHAMPION -- Shirley Jean Downs, age 87, of Champion, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
She was born March 26, 1938, in Bristolville, to the late Harold and Edna Mobley Lauth. Shirley was a 1956 graduate of Bristol High School. After high school, she married her husband, William E. Downs, spending 17 years together until his passing in 1974.
She was a resident of Champion, living and raising her four children there. Alongside raising her family, Shirley worked for many years at the front desk of several bowling centers, and at Four Seasons Car Wash, where she was known for her kindness, dependability, and the genuine connections she formed with customers and coworkers. She retired from Four Seasons after many fulfilling years.
She was a long-time member of Champion Christian Church, serving in many different capacities, such as trustee and historian.
She was an avid sports fan -- Cleveland Indians, Ohio State sports, and NASCAR were some of her favorites.
She could be considered a volunteer extraordinaire, helping in many of her children's activities. She served as an officer of the Champion Athletic Club, Champion Band Booster President, board member of the Junior Bowling Association, and was active with Boy Scout Troops 25 & 27, the Bristol Historical Society, and was a 72-year member of the Grange. She also found time to sing with the Happy Wanderers. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Downs; son, Mark Downs; her parents; and infant great-granddaughter, Aubrey Downs.
She is survived by her children, David (Jane) Downs, Tim (Sue) Downs, and Deborah (Tom) Daugherty; grandchildren, Cristina (Dennis), Casey (Marie), Carey (Andy), Tom (Teryn), and Bill (Jordan); greatgrandchildren, Cadence, Abby, Felicity, Anna, Eli, Amelia, and Augustus; brother, Wendell Lauth; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Champion Christian Church Feeding Ministry, 151 Center St. W, Warren, OH 44481.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home Roberts-Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Drive NE, Warren, OH 44483 and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at Champion Christian Church, 151 Center St. W, Warren, OH 44481, with a funeral service to follow at 12 p.m.
Interment will be held in Sager Memorial Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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