Betty Linehan Downing

Betty Jean Linehan Downing of Lewiston passed away Sept. 3, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, of causes related to pulmonary embolus and heart failure. She was 84.

She was born Dec. 16, 1930, in Ventura, Calif., daughter of Laura Smith. She was a sergeant in the Marine Corps from 1950-1953 in San Diego, Calif., and was honorably discharged prior to the birth of her first child.

Betty is surrounded by an abundance of love. Her time on Earth enriches our lives and our futures. She is a "Lady Marine," wife, mother and grandmother, and a blessing in our life. She is a dedicated, compassionate, loving and faithful daughter of God. Betty is an excellent example to us in her love and devotion to her family. Her favorite times were at the beach with her family swimming, playing or camping. She loves Hot August Nights and dances until the music stops ... She is always amused by the family's stories, teasing and joking, she often laughs until her face hurts. She is fearless and protective of her children and grandchildren. Her smile and laugh are beautiful. Sunshine, sunsets, rain and snow all make her joyful. She loves hummingbirds and animals and watched red-breasted robins raise their young on her porch light each year.

Betty met and married Ron Linehan while they were both Marines in San Diego; we are so thankful for their service. They shared 39 years of love and devotion while raising six children, who are a great source of pride to her. Betty and Ron moved to Orofino in 1981. In 1991, they moved to Lewiston to help in raising their grandchildren. In 1991, Ron passed away.

In 2005, Betty found love again when she met and married Bud Downing, who is also a retired Marine, and they spent 10 happy and loving years together.

She is a faithful and devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is an active supporter of the Sgt. Maj. Ronald Joseph Linehan Chapter of the Marine Corps League in Lewiston.

We will miss her presence for the rest of our lives and share great joy and blessings, privileged to carry her in our hearts and memories forever.

She is survived by her husband, Percy H. "Bud" Downing of Lewiston, and family; sister Marjorie Reed of San Diego, Calif.; sons Ronald Joseph and Jeanne Linehan III of Lewiston, Ryne James and Dana Linehan of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Richard Jeffrey and Elizabeth Linehan and Raymond John and Lark Linehan, both of Hayden, Idaho; daughters Robin June and John Hight of Lewiston and Sheila Annette and Celso Chavez of Oceanside, Calif.; 25 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband Ronald Joseph Linehan Jr. Dec. 18, 1991; and son Shane Michael Linehan Sept. 9, 1957.

A viewing will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 3810 16th St., Lewiston. A funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at the LDS Church, 3810 16th St., Lewiston, with Bishop Mulloy officiating.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com

Please join us in celebrating her life.