Sheila Ann Downer

Sheila Anne Downer, 74, of Huntersville, MN died peacefully on April 2nd, 2023, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN with her daughter holding her hand. Sheila was born to Abner and Virginia Roche in Wadena, MN on December 2, 1948. She went to a small country school through the 8th grade and attended Menahga High School until she graduated in May of 1966. Sheila was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Lyle on July 2, 1966, and blessed with 3 children- Doran, Becky, and Terry. Sheila served as the Huntersville Township Clerk from October 1970 to March 2002 and she and her husband Lyle were the caretakers and overseers of the Shell City Cemetery for many years. She worked as a Home Health Aide from 1981-2011 and then worked in Dietary at St. Joseph's Hospital from 2012 until her health became a concern and retired in 2016. Sheila could always be counted on to be available for anyone needing comfort and care; she loved helping people and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and vegetable gardening. But what she loved most of all was having her family around and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Sheila is survived by her children Doran (Diane) Downer of Huntersville, MN, Becky (Kevin) Lapinoja of Huntersville, MN, and Terry (Robin) Downer of Mesa, AZ and her 10 grandchildren- Wayne, Jamie, Meagan, Jacob, Angel, Rachel, DomRee, Adam, Mitchell, Briana and her 9 great grandchildren. Her brothers Rick (Fran) Roche of Mesa, AZ, and Ron (Ann) Roche of Cass City, MI and many nieces and nephews along with countless friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Lyle Downer, parents Abner and Virginia Roche, brothers Earl, Ray and Lyle and sister Sandra. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Eastside Christian Church, 16623 State Highway 87, Park Rapids, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Shell City Cemetery at a later date.