Shelley was the oldest daughter and one of five children of Phil and Kathy Downs of Riverton, Utah. She was born on January 14, 1963, and left us on June 14, 2023.
She was a darling girl who brought much love and happiness to the family. She was witty, and fun to be around!
As a child she loved going on family vacations which included a lot of fishing, camping and hunting trips with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Being one of the only girls in the extended family for years, Shelley often brought a girlfriend with her so she could spend time with someone other than the boys! As a child she danced and played softball and was gifted with natural talent.
Shelley graduated from Bingham High School and then went on to become a dental assistant. She loved her job and the people she worked with. She had so much fun going on company trips. Some of her favorites were swimming with the Dolphins in Cancun, camping and rafting down the green river, and spending time in Jay’s houseboat on Lake Powell.
Shelley was always up for an adventure. She had many wonderful memories of family trips to Island Park, Lake Powell, St. George, Flaming Gorge and Pineview doing things she loved like, waterskiing, camping, and mountain picnics.
She cherished our family traditions of birthday parties, bowling, Sunday dinners, holidays at Mom and Dads, making crafts, fireworks, and parades.
Shelley’s ultimate treasure and accomplishment were her two children Ashlee (Alex) and Zack (Charley). She enjoyed being their mother! She had fun watching and supporting them in dance, basketball, and baseball. Shelley adored her children, always wanting to do so much more but never wavered in the deep love she had for them. She was so proud of them and the successful, happy adults that they grew up to be. They both married wonderful spouses which filled her family with even greater love. Her children gave her, her greatest blessing…six of the most beautiful and talented granddaughters. Sadly, because of her chronic pain, she was robbed the pleasure of being the kind of mother and grandmother that she wanted to be.
Shelley was naturally beautiful her whole life even through excruciating pain. She was tall and thin, her hair was thick and shiny, her skin was smooth, her smile was radiant, and she had a gorgeous figure…but Shelley’s inside was the most beautiful of all. She was a kindhearted and gentle person- rarely expressing a negative thought. Even though Shelley had extreme challenges of her own, she was always concerned and genuinely interested about others.
She loved the Lord with all her heart and had a firm testimony of the plan of salvation and His love for all His children. She loved receiving Priesthood blessings of healing from her father. She always felt a bit of relief from the pain and added comfort after these special blessings.
She loved every niece and nephew, brothers, and sister and their spouses. Shelley also adored her parents. She lived with them for many years and appreciated the love, care, and concern that they had for her. They were there for every moment of her life, through the good and happy times as well as the hard and dark times. She had an especially beautiful and close relationship with her mother, often commenting that her mother was her best friend.
We as her family never lost hope that the doctors would someday find a cure to help ease Shelley’s pain, but it never happened. Our hearts are broken to lose her.
The weariness of chronic illnesses and the heavy burden of pain took her from this life and the ones she loved. What we learned from her, is what resilience and perseverance truly looked like on a daily basis. During the last several months of her life she expressed her desire to see her little sister Jeanne and her beloved Grandma Beth Bone. We rejoice in knowing that they are together once again.
Phil and Kathy would love to express their sincere gratitude for those who worked tirelessly and prayed for Shelley these past three difficult months. GODS GARDEN
God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, He knew that you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb. So, he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone…For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
-by Melissa Shreve
A private extended family viewing will be held on Friday, June 23rd at 10:00 am at Broomhead Funeral Home located at 12590 S 2200 W, Riverton Utah. A public graveside service will take place at noon at the South Jordan cemetery located at 10630 S 1055 W in South Jordan. A luncheon will be provided afterwards.
Read More
