9/3/1918 - 1/29/2012 Veda Cleo "Sally" Downs, 93 years old, beloved and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed from us and into the Almighty's hands on January 29, 2012, at Guardian Angels Assisted Living Facility in Richland, WA. Born in Ontario, Oregon, on September 3, 1918, as Veda Cleo Hickey, and married in Ontario, Oregon, on June 1, 1937, Sally was preceded in death by her beloved and loving husband of 51 years, John Thomas "Jack" Downs and her 11 brothers and sisters. Sally and Jack were blessed with four children: Claudine, Danny, Veda, and Janelle. In 1955, they moved from Ontario, Oregon, to create a farm and ranch north of Pasco, Washington. As some of the last of our pioneers, they struggled, worked and created an oasis of flowers, trees and a working farm and ranch out of the sand and sagebrush. They were the first to develop a farming unit in Block 16 of the Columbia Basin. They raised their children, lived and worked on what was known as the Esquatzel Valley Ranch until Jack passed away on June 6, 1988. Sally continued to live on the ranch until 1998. Sally's idea of fun was working in her large garden, taking care of livestock, or going with Jack to eat "noodles" at the Chinese Gardens in Pasco. She was an accomplished cook and seamstress, strong physically and mentally, with an inquiring mind and a large variety of knowledge. She had the hands of a healer, the mind of a dedicated teacher, and a compassionate-giving heart, and over the years, Sally touched countless lives. She is survived by all of her children: Claudine Walters and husband Jim; Danny Downs and wife Cherie; Veda Guynes and husband Terry; Janelle Downs and husband Randy Kirkham; as well as 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. It is with love, respect, appreciation for a life well lived, and sorrow in her passing that we bid Sally farewell, good journey, and God's speed. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held for Sally on February 5, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Richland Masonic Temple, located at 412 Thayer Drive, Richland, Washington. Any donations are asked to be sent to your favorite charity in her name. For any further information, you may call 509-588-3195 or 509-378-8637. Published in Tri-City Herald on February 3, 2012