Sherry Lynn Downing

Sherry Lynn Downing, age 60, of New Philadelphia died Monday, December 26, 2011 in Hennis Care Center at Bolivar following a courageous battle with cancer.Born May 24, 1951 in Dover, Sherry is the daughter of Faye Shidaker and the late Ralph Shidaker. She is a 1969 graduate of Indian Valley North. After completing her education, she enjoyed working in the healthcare industry as a nurse’s aide for more than 23 years. Not only did she provide loving, skilled care to her patients, but she became a friend to the patient and the family.Sherry also obtained her beautician’s license through the former Tuscarawas County Beauty school.Sherry’s children, grandchildren, family and friends were of utmost importance to her. She dearly loved her grandchildren, caring for their every need.In addition to her mother, Sherry will be deeply missed by her family including her daughter, Melinda (Scott) Batton of Dover; her two sons, Richard Downing and Jason (Maureen “Mo”) Downing, both of Dover; her sister, Shirley (companion, Jim Abel) Arnold of Tuscarawas; her brother, Ralph (Cindy) Shidaker of Dover; her grandchildren, Christian Reilly, Jacob Batton, Thomas Batton, Logan Downing and Mya Downing; and her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.Sherry was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Shidaker; her maternal grandparents, Williard “Kelly” and Esther (Hill) Haney; and her paternal grandparents, Charles and Julia (Loveday) Shidaker.Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Friday, December 30, 2011 from 3 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Sherry’s life will take place in the funeral home on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. In keeping with Sherry’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Memorial contributions in Sherry’s memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, O. 44406.Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website