Jeanine Downing

In Loving Memory of Frances Jeanine Downing Beloved Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, and Artist

 “Beauty is its own reason for existence. To make a political statement or to draw attention to the wrongs in society is fine for some, just wrong for me. I want to make folks grateful that the Creator cared enough to make this world such a beautiful place, so full of exciting lovely things. I have to create art, just like I have to breathe.” — Jeanine Downing

 Frances Jeanine Downing, daughter of Robert and Arlene Hodgson, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, in Clearfield, Utah. Jeanine has now reunited with her eternal companion, Loren Downing, in the presence of their Creator.

Jeanine leaves behind her loving family, including her children: Dr. Kim (Dr. Donna) Rogers, Robyn (Sue) Rogers, Mathew (Carol) Andrews, Tamara (Tom) Sells, Elaine Runyan, Dennis (Marianne) Andrews and Janiece Langston. She also leaves behind her brother, Bob (Harriet) Hodgson, and her dear friends, Diana Storer and Carol Patterson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren Downing; her sister, Renee Van Wagoner; her brother-in-law, Dick Van Wagoner; and her parents, Robert and Arlene Hodgson; her sons, Lynn Andrews and Kimmer Downing; her son-in-law, Allen Langston; her granddaughters, Rachael Runyan and Cherishe Langston, her grandson Jason Sells and her nieces, Christy Van Wagoner, Kelly Dru Gougler, and Lindsey Shannon; as well as several great-grandchildren. 

Early in life, Jeanine was drawn to art in many ways. Her artistic and entrepreneurial spirit emerged in eighth grade when she sketched nudes and sold them to the boys for a dime, an endeavor that eventually landed her in the principal’s office.

Jeanine was a remarkably talented artist who exhibited her work in numerous shows, including being honored with the Ogden Mayor’s Choice Award in 2005. Over her lifetime, she completed over 150 portrait commissions and created more than 2,000 pieces of art, with a particular love for architecture and nature.

Jeanine deeply loved and understood her Heavenly Father and her elder brother, Jesus Christ. She found great joy reading scriptures, praying, and attending the Temple. Holding a Temple Recommend was her top priority throughout her life. 

Jeanine’s love story with Loren began like something out of a fairytale. Loren often shared the story of their first meeting, where he was immediately sure he wanted to marry Jeanine, even though she wasn’t as sure at first. When Loren met Jeanine, he knew she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Her beauty, both inside and out, captivated him instantly. He knew that Jeanine was not just the love of his life but his Eternal Companion, and on January 22, 1982, they were Sealed in Marriage in The Salt Lake Temple. Jeanine and Loren shared a passion for adventure. They served a mission at Cove Fort, Utah, traveled together to Belize and the Virgin Islands, and snorkeled in the Caribbean. No matter where their travels took them, Jeanine was never without her camera and sketch pad. Together, they built a life full of love, adventure, and shared dreams—a life that inspires all who knew them.

Jeanine brought humor, beauty, love, and encouragement to everyone she knew. Jeanine cherished her role as a grandmother to 25 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to numerous great-grandchildren. She was naturally charitable, giving her time and talents freely, including teaching art classes and Sunday School. Together, Jeanine and Loren served in the calling of Compassionate Service, where they warmly welcomed new members of their Ward as well as those in need of companionship. Over a span of 20 years, they invited new members of their community into their home with open arms and homecooked meals. Jeanine, though we will miss you dearly, we find comfort in knowing that through The Eternal Plan of Happiness, we will be reunited with you one day.

To our cherished mother, sister, and friend, we send you off with love, until we meet again.

Join Us in Celebrating the Life of Jeanine In tribute to her vibrant life, please adorn yourself with the full spectrum of the painter’s palette.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on the evening of Friday, August 30, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, as well as a second viewing on Saturday at 9:00 am, followed by the memorial service at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Both will be held at Russon Mortuary in Syracuse, Utah, with a graveside dedication to follow at Ogden Cemetery.

Russon Mortuary

1558 W 300 S

Syracuse, UT 84075

Ogden Cemetery

1875 Monroe Boulevard

Ogden, UT 84401

Memorial donations can be made at - https://ogden4arts.org/who-we-are/donate/make-a-donation.html