On Friday, August 11, 2017, at home, surrounded by family, Geraldine "Geri" Stephens Hobdey completed her mission on earth and returned home to her Father in Heaven. "I've had a wonderful life." Geri often said. Geri was born on September 14, 1932 in Gooding, ID to Herbert Raymond "Ray" Stephens and Rhoda Elizabeth "Phyllis" Behunin Stephens. Geri was the third of six children. While Geri spoke of many different friends she had during her upbringing in Gooding, the majority of her stories involved the fun and mischief she had with her siblings and cousins. Geri attended Idaho State University in Pocatello for a year before returning to Gooding to work as a school secretary. It was while back in Gooding that Geri met the handsome cowboy who later would become her eternal companion. Daryl and Geri were married on October 10, 1954 in Gooding, Idaho and were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on April 23, 1976. While Daryl was a professional rodeo cowboy, Geri supported and traveled around the country to rodeos with him. During their rodeoing days, they welcomed two children, Logan and Lynda. Geri often joked that her children were raised in the back of a station wagon and in the middle of an arena. Once the rodeo scene died down a bit, Geri decided to go back to school and attended Boise State Junior College. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and was always proud of the fact that she walked for graduation with her mother who also had returned for her degree. Geri went on to teach Special Education at Franklin Elementary School in Boise for 20 years. Geri retired from teaching in 1992 and took on the role of "Grandma" full-time. Geri loved her family and was frequently heard to say that she didn't need to watch TV because she had live entertainment from her eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She especially loved the songs and dances performed for her by the preschoolers. Geri's kids and grandkids have spent many hours reflecting on the things that she taught them over the years: Selflessness and unconditional love. She was a kind person who would help anyone in need and asked for nothing in return. When I hear the words "righteous" and "compassionate" I think of Grandma. She taught me there is good in everyone and a "bright side" to most any situation. Laugh. Always. If you think the world is ending and everything is going wrong, don't mope around. Just laugh and find the joy in the situation as it is. Spending time with her was the best. Be who you are and be the best version of yourself that you can be. Regardless of what's happening, just remember that you love them and it will be alright. She led by example in everything she did. Many of these may ring true to your experiences and interactions with Geri as well. While the earth is a bit dimmer without her presence, it is forever brighter for her having been here. Geri was welcomed in heaven by her parents, Ray and Phyllis Stephens; brother, Herbert Raymond "Junior" Stephens and sister, Shirley Stephens Schiess. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Daryl Hobdey of Nampa, ID; children, Logan (Lisa) Hobdey of Boise, ID and Lynda (David) Rupert of Nampa, ID; siblings: Pati (Dee) Christensen of Burley, ID, Linda (Brent) Udy of St. George, UT, and Trent (Kathleen) Stephens of Pocatello, ID. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, at the Nampa 18th Ward LDS Chapel, 2212 E. Amity Ave in Nampa, ID with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services.
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