Shirley Ann Downs

Shirley Ann Zweifel Downs age 86 of Terreton, ID passed away November 15, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. In her last years she was lovingly cared for by her family.  Her last days being under the direction of Alliance Hospice.

Shirley Ann Zweifel was born January 9, 1937 to John Jacob Zweifel and Ruth Ann Hensley in Rexburg, Idaho.

Shirley attended Roberts, Level, & Terreton grade schools. She rode the school bus for three hours a day from Monteview to Roberts to attend school. She graduated in the top of her class from Roberts High School in May of 1955. After graduation, Shirley went to work at Atomic Energy Commission for General Electric, working in accounting and doing payroll for 500 people by hand.

Shirley married the love of her life and eternal companion Blaine Kyle Downs on September 7, 1956. They were later sealed March 27, 1957 in the Idaho Falls, ID Temple. They made their farm in Hamer and Terreton into their home.

She was a meticulous record keeper and kept books for 32 years at the Mud Lake gas station until her retirement.

Shirley was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in various callings such as Mutual Leader, Primary President and Relief Society President, serving with three bishops. Shirley’s passion was Genealogy. She loved to serve and was the Ward and Stake Family History Specialist for 15 years. Shirley served as an Initiatory ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls temple for eight years.

Shirley’s bread was award winning. She received over 16 blue ribbons and grand champion in one year at the Mud Lake Fair. Shirley was known throughout the community for sharing a hot pan of cinnamon or dinner rolls. She loved gardening, canning, and kept a tidy home. She also enjoyed trying out new recipes and was intrigued with trying out new dishes. Shirley could taste a food and determine the exact ingredients it contained. She was an avid reader, which included the reading of cook books she collected. Her hands were never idle, she could be found crocheting or journaling.

Shirley is survived by her husband Blaine Kyle Downs, Terreton, ID. They were married 67 years.

Children: B. Kevin (Cloeen) Downs, Firth, ID; Beverly Foster, Chandler, AZ; Becky (Gary) Bowden, Idaho Falls, ID; Timothy Kyle Downs, Idaho Falls, ID; Brenda Downs (Jim) Weber, Idaho Falls, ID; Kenneth (Stephanie) Downs, Idaho Falls, ID; Kimberly Downs, Boise, ID; Sisters: Helen Lucille Brutsch, Sandy, UT; Evelyn Mae Tomlinson, Monteview, ID; Brother: Allan Kay Zweifel, Millington, TN; 23 Grandchildren, and 30 Great Grandchildren.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Ruby Jean O’Neil, brothers Howard Ray Zweifel and George Henry Zweifel, son-in-law Bob Foster, and great grandson Miles David Kelly.

Services will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023, 11:00 am at the Terreton Stake Center (1297 East 1500 North Terreton, ID). Visitation November 24, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Terreton Stake Center and visitation prior to service from 9:30 am - 10:45am at the Terreton Stake Center. Interment will follow the funeral service at the West Jefferson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to West Jefferson Senior Citizens Center
P.O. Box 25, Terrreton, ID 83450 or Mud Lake Museum 1097 E 1500 N Terreton, ID 83450