Obituary of Crystal Ann Downing

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, Crystal Ann Downing, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at the age of 52 at Clarinda Regional Health Center following a hard battle with pancreatic cancer.

Crystal was born on July 19, 1969, in Stockton, California to Charles Franklin IV and Ruth (Schlarbaum) Liles. Crystal moved to the area with her family in 1973. She graduated from Essex High School in Essex, IA in 1988. Crystal gave birth to her pride and joy, K.C. Franklin Liles on November 16, 1990. Crystal met her loving husband late in the year of 1991 and joined in marriage on August 22, 1992. Crystal worked at DNL and Eaton’s before choosing to be a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Crystal then spent her time devoted to her son, husband, family, dogs, cats, birds, and other random animals.

Crystal’s laugh was infectious, and her rambunctious attitude was one of a kind. She was loud, caring, loving, and everyone enjoyed her presence! Crystal was a mother to many, as she took in all her sons’ friends and loved them as her own.

Crystal would go on the semi with Jim when the chance would arise, and loved watching her dogs hang out the window while cruising along. Crystal would talk about her adventures on the semi and all the places she had been.

Crystal became a grandmother in April 2013 to a little boy named KC Rex. Again, in October 2015 to a little girl named Khamrie KaeAnn. Once more in November 2018 to another little boy named Kannen James. Crystal absolutely loved her grandkids and took any chance she got to spend time with them. When it came to the grandkids, she was up for any challenge, including climbing 171 steps to the top of Paul Bunyan’s lookout in Michigan!

Crystal moved to Michigan June 2, 2017, to be closer to Jim, who was trucking in that area. Crystal enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Crystal’s son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids would visit as much as possible and take Crystal to explore the beaches of Michigan and make lasting memories.

In late November of this year, 2021, Crystal knew her health was declining and yearned to be back in Clarinda, Iowa, close to her family. On December 1, 2021, Crystal was brought home to her son’s house to enjoy her time here with us.

Crystal was diagnosed in May of this year, 2021 with Pancreatic cancer. Crystal put up a hard fight and stayed positive throughout her journey. Crystal lost her battle on December 16, 2021, to this cancer and joined heaven with her family by her side.

Crystal is preceeded in death by her father, Charles Franklin Liles IV. Crystal is survived by her husband Jim Downing, son KC Liles and his fiancé Taylor Dukes, and their 3 children, KC, Khamrie, and Kannen. Brothers, Danny, Roy, and Charles Franklin Liles V and his wife Janie Liles. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.