Ethel L. (Downing) Franklin

Ethel L. Franklin, 91, of Perryville, MO, formerly of Hoopeston, passed away at 5:55 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021, at her home.

Ethel was born on March 4, 1930, in Clarence, Illinois, the daughter of Guy and Opia (Bennett) Downing.  She married Richard Earl Franklin Jr. on July 18, 1964, in Hoopeston.  He preceded her in death on December 15, 1987.

She is survived by one daughter- Kristie Huber of Perryville, MO; one step-son- Steve (Emma) Franklin of Pinellas Park, Florida; six grandchildren- Todd (Amy) Huber, Tim (Amanda) Huber, Kyle Huber, Sam Franklin, Joshua Franklin and Mark (Lauralea) Franklin; six great-grandchildren; one brother- Roy (Judy) Downing of Potomac; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother- Harold Downing and sister- Evelyn Shelton.

Ethel graduated from Armstrong High School.  She worked at TRW, in Hoopeston, for several years, until her husband passed away and she began working as an in-home health care worker.  Ethel was a member of the Potomac Church of Christ. She enjoyed playing golf in her younger years, spending time with her friends and family and she was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.

A Celebration of Ethel’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Randy Walters officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Floral Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Potomac Church of Christ.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Ethel’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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