Geraldine Ellen Downing

Geraldine Ellen (Sickels) Downing, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in New Plymouth, Idaho on October 6, 2024. She cherished the last few years of her life, getting to spend quality time with her son that enjoyed cooking and caring for her in her home so that she could be comfortably surrounded with everything she loved. 

Geraldine was born to Virgil Guy Sickels and Elizabeth (Ray) Sickels in Parma, Idaho, on June 13, 1932. Many of her childhood memories were spent growing up in Payette, Idaho with her siblings Donald and Glenister.  In 1950, Geraldine married a musician, Gene Arendell, and together they had a son named Randy. The lifestyle wasn’t conducive to raising a family and they decided it was best for Geraldine and Randy to remain in Payette. Geraldine soon met the love of her life, Marlin Downing, and they married in Council, Idaho in 1952. They spent a few years in Payette before moving the family to Whitebird, Idaho where they welcomed a son, Creston. Marlin had four children that Geraldine adored and loved as her own, Duane, Sandra, Lonnie, and Monte. Geraldine and Marlin spent 52 years together before he passed away in 2004.

Throughout her life, Geraldine personified the values of kindness, generosity, family love, and friendship. She thrived in the outdoors and loved wandering around in the vast wilderness hunting big game, sitting by a riverbank catching fish, and reliving the years of stories collected on her adventures. Not only did she enjoy the outdoors, but she was also enthusiastic to show off her pins which represented the gallons of blood she donated to the American Red Cross blood bank over her lifetime. Geraldine spent many hours and miles of yarn crocheting baby blankets for her own grandkids and great grandkids, as well as giving blankets as gifts to many babies born around the community. Geraldine’s crocheted creations can be found in potholders and scrub pads in many kitchens as well. One of her many talents was also in small engine repair. She had a “tom boy” attitude but also enjoyed wearing a beautiful dress and jewelry on special occasions. Geraldine was always overhauling an engine or installing a truck part. She took a lot of pride in her mechanical abilities. Geraldine happily welcomed all family and friends into her home for a delicious meal or warm conversation. Not only did she open her home to family and friends, but she also had a soft spot on the couch for stray cats. Geraldine was an avid reader whose book collection puts many of us to shame. She was always reading and cataloged well over 100 books per year. She kept her mind sharp by challenging herself and others to a multitude of card games. 

Despite her responsibilities in the home with raising children and keeping a house, Geraldine helped support her family as a Postmaster. She started her impressive 25-year career in 1976 and retired from the New Plymouth, Idaho Post Office. She took pride in her work and many members of the community still remember her warm smile and friendly demeanor.  She told numerous stories about her career and her dedication to performing the job efficiently.

Her greatest joy in later years was spending time with her family, extended family, friends, and seeing her grandkids and great grandkids. She was truly the matriarch of the family and was always considered a source of true strength. 

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Marlin Downing, as well as her parents Virgil and Elizabeth Sickels, her brother, Donald Sickels, her sister Glenister (Morris) Sickels, and her stepchildren Monte and Sandra. She is survived by her sons, Randy Arendell and Creston Downing, stepchildren Duane and Lonnie, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.