NORMA B. MOAKE-DOWNEN, 89, Potosi, Missouri, formerly of Perryville, Missouri, Chester, Illinois and Rockwood, Illinois, passed away at 3:50 am on Thursday June 12, 2014, at Potosi Manor in Potosi, Missouri. She was born to the late Harry B. and Clara (nee: Husband) Clendenin on March 29, 1925 in Randolph County, IL. She grew up in Rockwood and taught school there before going to college at SIU Carbondale. Norma was married to Frank Moake in 1944. After he completed his education, they enjoyed life at the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois while raising a family. Upon retirement, they gardened and grew fruit on their place in Degognia Township. He preceded her in death in 1998. She then married George Downen December 29, 2002. Norma and George traveled and participated in activities at the senior citizen center. He preceded her in death in 2009. Norma was a teacher, a homemaker, and a clerk at the University of Illinois. She enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, and she loved her hats. She was devoted to her husbands and her children. She adored babies and was never without a kind word. Everyone who ever met Norma loved her and will miss her. She was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Rockwood, Illinois and Perryville Presbyterian Church in Perryville, Missouri. Survivors 3 Daughters: Rebecca Innocent Dallas, TX Nancy McEwan Savannah, GA Diane Moake 2 Brothers: Wilbur (Greta) Clendenin Ava, IL Jack (Cindy) Clendenin Rockwood, IL 1 Sister: Mary Standaert Milwaukee, WI George's Sons: Tom (BJ) Downen Jackson, TN John (Helen) Downen Springfield, OR 8 Grandchildren 4 Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by: Parents, Husbands - Frank Moake and George Downen, 2 Brothers - Bert and Roscoe and 1 Sister - Peggy. It was Norma's wish to be cremated. A celebration of Norma's life will take place at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Rockwood, Illinois, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th, 2014, with Pastor Cecil Dunning. A private family service will take place in the Ebenezer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Ebenezer Cemetery. Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL is assisting the family with these arrangements.
