Tonia L. Downen, 55, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2011 at ManorCare in West Des Moines. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at First Assembly of God Church, 2725 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Tonia was born July 1, 1956 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Floyd A. and Elnoria (Van Buskirk) Downen. She was a dishwasher at Embassy Suites in Des Moines and a member of First Assembly of God Church. Tonia enjoyed doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, loved drawing, playing internet games, riding her bike, spending time at her church and with family and friends.
Tonia is survived by her daughter, Lacey (Beau) Thomas of Des Moines; granddaughter, Allysha Cason of Des Moines; six sisters, Pam Downen, Deborah (Herbert) Daughenbaugh, Cindi Downen, Tammy Downen and Kim Downen all of Des Moines and Gina Coulter of Urbandale and two brothers, Jerry (Mamie) Parker of Ottumwa and Larry Downen of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Deion Cason and brother, Vaughn Downen.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at McLaren’s Chapel. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
