Ida Mae Smith

Ida Mae Smith of Fort Collins, age 85, passed away into new life with her Lord Jesus Christ on October 8. She was born in Bertrand, Missouri near Sikeston to Bernard and Willie Hixson, and grew up on a farm "picking cotton", as well as other crops. She was one of seven children and had a very strong constitution, having survived several tragedies while very young, including the death of her mother. She graduated from Sikeston High, and went on to become a telephone operator for Western Union. She then relocated to Riverside, California where she took calls from various celebrities such as Lucile Ball. While in Riverside, in 1943 she met and married Alvin Smith. Following Al's service in WWII, they traveled around the western United States to construction projects, being what she always called "gypsies". They eventually settled in Mesa, Arizona, and then northern Colorado in 1963. While her six children were growing up she enjoyed helping with Cub Scout and Girl Scout activities, as well as activities at church. After raising her children, she returned to her earlier job with the phone company, and retired from US West as a clerk in 1989. Since retiring she has enjoyed her grand kids, gardening, sewing, traveling, and helping in many capacities at Immanuel Community Church, she even became a leader of her Seekers class in recent years. Preceding Ida Mae in death were her parents, five siblings, her husband, and a great-grand daughter. She is survived by her older brother, Jim Hixson of Los Molinos, California; her six children: Kenneth Smith of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Debbie Eckdahl of San Marcos, California, Barry Smith, Richard Smith and Randy Smith of Fort Collins; Jennie Dachs of Dexter, Missouri; ten grand children, and seven great-grand children. A public viewing will be provided at Bohlender Funeral Chapel on Thursday, October 15 from 4-6pm. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ida Mae's life will be held at Immanuel Community Church, 1725 W. Mulberry in Fort Collins on Friday, October 16 at 10:30am, followed by a Graveside Service at Roselawn Cemetary. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ida Mae Smith Memorial Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Ft. Collins, CO 80524.