Linda Faye (Sayers) Downing

In Loving Memory of Linda Faye Sayers Downing

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Faye Downing, 73, of Emlenton, Richland Twp., Clarion County.  Linda passed away peacefully at 5:25 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at UPMC Hamot in Erie while surrounded by her loving family.

Linda was born in Knox on April 27, 1953.  She was the daughter of the late Harry and Virginia Buck Sayers.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, “Grammy”, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness, strength, and unwavering love for God touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family and ran Downing’s gas station & storage for over 26yrs. Her warmth, kindness, gentle spirit, and faith in God will be remembered forever.

She was a 1972 graduate of Keystone High School and later that year married and is survived by her husband Gary L. Downing of Emlenton for the last 53 and a half years. Her beloved children Tracy Strauser (Bill) of Emlenton and Deborah Baird of Parker, her nephew whom the Downings raised, Robert Lewis of Huntsville, Alabama; her grandchildren Rylan Strauser, Koen Strauser and Kainen Baird. Sisters Ruth (Ron) Cussins and Lavonne (Dan) McCoy, a number of nieces and nephews as well as extended family, and friends who will cherish the countless memories they shared with her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Donna Ferris (Tom) and Mary Lou Harp (Gary).

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who cared for her and supported them during her illness especially their neighbor Kim Colwell and family, Your compassion and kindness will never be forgotten.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing she is now at peace with God who she dedicated her life to so many years ago. Her love, wisdom, and the memories she created will remain with us always.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday.  A funeral service will follow from the funeral home at 1 p.m.  with the Rev. Jacob Langdon, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, officiating.  Interment will be in Zion Union Cemetery, Emlenton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply honor her memory by showing love and kindness to others as Jesus would do.  Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Faye (Sayers) Downing, please visit our floral store.