Yvonne Colleen McDowell

Yvonne Colleen McDowell passed peacefully from this life on February 17, 2025 in Murray, Utah, surrounded by many loving family members. Yvonne, 92, is remembered and missed by her 4 children, 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and her sister, Nancy (Duane) Cahoon, as well as many other family members and friends. She previously lost her parents, her husbands, her brother, Kenneth Hickey, a son, Jacob, and a grandson, Paul Raynor.

Yvonne was born in Lyons, New York on November 6, 1932 to Leslie and Ethel (Juffs) Hickey of Wolcott, NY. She worked in her father’s restaurant and her local newspaper, and after graduating from high school, married Kenneth Raynor on August 23, 1950. Yvonne and Ken had five children, Jeffrey (Sandy) Raynor, of Phoenix, Arizona, Jacob Raynor (deceased in childhood), Connie Johnston, of Boise, Idaho, Deborah (Bill) Gubler, of Riverton, Utah and Steven (Sherrie) Raynor, of Walkersville, Maryland. After the death of her first husband she was married to Evan Hook (deceased) and later to Jack McDowell (deceased).

Yvonne studied Elementary Education at Oswego College, New York, and taught school for many years in New York, Indiana and Arizona. After earning her Master’s Degree at the University of California, Pennsylvania in Special Education and her Doctor's Degree at Brigham Young University, Utah, in Psychology, she worked as a school psychologist in the Jordan School District. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling the world, visiting family and pursuing her thirst for knowledge.

Yvonne has always been interested in researching and staying aware of cultural and political events and served as a member of the Democratic Caucus in her district in Murray, Utah. She was an admirer of the arts and was always learning, whether it was keeping up with new technology, a creative pursuit or doing her own home improvement. She was an inspiration, loving, adventurous and a great example of what determination and persistence can add to life. She will be greatly missed.

Yvonne passed peacefully from this life into the next in just a few short hours, strong, funny and eloquent until the end. The family wishes to thank her neighbors, friends and medical team for their exceptional support and sincere friendship in her final years. A celebration of life was held on February 18th, in accordance with her wishes to enjoy a casual get-together and to throw tradition aside.