Name: Visitation for Sandra Downhower
Start: 2025-01-18T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-01-18T17:30:00.000Z
Location: Crossroads Church of God

LIMA -- Sandra K. "Sandy" Downhower. Sandy was born February 16, 1946, to the late John and Kathryn (Rigel) Thomas in Lima, Ohio. She entered her heavenly home on January 8, 2025.

On October 21, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Jim Downhower. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2021. They were married 53 years and loved spending time together. They enjoyed many winters in Florida where they rode their bicycles daily. They traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Their favorite destination was Alaska, which they visited six times.

Sandy was a 1964 graduate of Bath High School. She then attended International Business College in Ft. Wayne. She was employed as a Travel Advisor at Northwestern Travel.

Her most important job was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, Megan Downhower of Powell, Ohio and Thomas "Tommy" Olcese of Goshen, Indiana. She and Jim were blessed with two children: son James (Renee) Downhower of Powell, Ohio and daughter Jamie (Renzo) Olcese of Goshen, Indiana.

She made many trips to Powell and Goshen to attend concerts and sporting events of her beloved grandchildren. Megan and Tommy were the greatest joys of her life.

She is also survived by siblings: Patricia (John) Mowen, Mary (Ronald) Neth-Coy, Michael (Pamela) Thomas, Jay Thomas, all of Lima. Also surviving are brother-in-law Francis (Judith) Downhower of Alden, NY and sister-in-law Sharon (Owen deceased) of Lima, Ohio. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews.

One sister, Janet Irene Thomas proceded her in death in addition to sister-in-law Beverly (Frank) Stroh and brother-in-law Ron Neth.

Memorial Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Crossroads Church of God, 775 S. Thayer Road, Lima, where the family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the church.

Private interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Downhower

15 Entries

Patti Keller

January 18, 2025

So sorry to hear that Sandy has left us here on earth and will now be traveling again to the light. Loved playing bunco and traveling on bus trips and sitting at games with Jimmy and Brad. Will miss alot.

Nancy Buchanan-Harper

January 15, 2025

Condolences to al the family. So sorry for this news.

Andrea (Herbst) and Les Long

January 13, 2025

We have known Sandy and her family a long time since our girls were in elementary school together and being residents of Woodbriar. She was a special person, always seemed happy and never had an unkind word. She had a giggle we will miss. Sending our sympathy to Jamie, Jimmie and their families. We have lost a dear friend.

Dave Harsh

January 13, 2025

RIP my friend

Kathy Pierson

January 12, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy´s children and their families. Sandy was a wonderful person and a friend from our days living in Woodbriar! May God be with you Jimmy and Jamie. The Pierson Family

Paul & Donna Smith

January 12, 2025

Sandy touched many lives and was always doing for others, she will be missed far and wide. So sorry Jimmy, Jamie and your Families. Our prayers are with all of you.

Anne Smith

Sent Flowers

Larry & Jill Myers

January 12, 2025

Sandy was always a positive, fun lady. I recall all of the times Sandy and Jim walked the streets of the neighborhood. She will be able to walk side by side with Jim once again,
Our prayers go out to the family.

Andrea King

January 12, 2025

Sandy was more than a friend. She gave my family love beyond all measure. Her love for our Lord and Savior was a joy to share. My boys and I will always treasure the love we shared for each other.

Kathye Polng

January 12, 2025

Prayers for Sandy´s family. Such a sweet neighbor always smiling when she was out walking. She has earned her wings.

Ruth Dunlap

January 12, 2025

Prayers for Sandys family. Spent time with her in OH and FL. Such a sweet sweet lady. May God wrap you in His HUGE arms of comfort and strength!
Ruth and Deb

Jenny (Wetmore) Diggs

January 11, 2025

I´m so sad and my deepest sympathy to her kids, grandkids and the rest of the family. Such a deep loss. I´ll forever remember her laugh and orneriness

Rita Deerhake

January 11, 2025

Wish we could sit on my deck and share a cup of coffee just one more time A "salt of the earth" kind of friend.

Barbara Rahrig Mills

January 11, 2025

Lifting Sandy's family and friends up in prayer. Sandy was truly a special person and brought joy every time I was around her. May she rest in peace. Hugs to all.

Joanne Barga

January 11, 2025

So sorry to hear of Sandy´s sudden passing. A sweet friend from our Woodbriar neighborhood. The Joe Barga, family Joanne, Jeff, Matt and Sarah sending our prayers for strength.

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