Christene "Chris" Phillips Downs, a native of Ringling, Okla., a 65-year resident of California and a 35-year resident of Yucca Valley, died Sept. 6, 2008 in Yucca Valley. She was 74 years old. She was born to George Washington Phillips and Oda Hopkins Phillips Sept. 26, 1933. Mrs. Downs served in the United States Navy. She was a bookkeeper for Joshua Basin Water District for 12 years and was retired. She enjoyed traveling to Glamis and the lake with family. She loved to bowl and travel and always had a romance novel in her hand. She loved to travel on a street bike. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, John Downs of Yucca Valley, daughters Debbie Snowden and Denise Breckenridge of Morongo Valley, son Doug Downs of Elk Grove, granddaughters Misty, Melissa and Ali Snowden of Yucca Valley, granddaughters Chrissy and Tyler Breckenridge of Morongo Valley, grandson Patrick Downs of Elk Grove, granddaughter Katie Downs of Elk Grove and seven great-grandchildren. A gathering of friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 in her daughter Debbie Snowden's home at 49009 Buena Vista in Morongo Valley. For directions to the home, call 363-6531 Mrs. Downs hated the pain and limits placed on her because of her diabetes, so in lieu of flowers her family requests donations be made to ADA Research Foundation, Attn: Individual Giving Dept., 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexander, VA 22311.