HOLT - Ida Mae Holt (nee Davis) passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at the age of 88.
Ida was born in Vanguard, Sask. on May 26, 1926 to Charlie and Mary Davis. Ida grew up on the family farm with three siblings. She attended Titanic School in Neville and after graduation attended Normal School in Moose Jaw to become a teacher. Growing up, Ida especially enjoyed playing the piano while her dad played violin for family sing songs.
Ida married Jack Wright in 1947, after Jack's passing in 1952, Ida moved to Abbey where she worked for an implement dealer, as teaching was not her calling. She moved back to Neville in 1954, where she met Owen Holt, who was a grain buyer for Sask Wheat Pool and they were married in 1955. In 1957 they moved to Maple Creek where they raised their three children.
Ida is survived by her children: Jim (Carolyn) Holt of Houston, Texas, Tim (Joanne) Holt of Bow Island, Alta. and Mary Anne Birchall of Maple Creek, Sask; seven grandchildren: Jennifer and Kaitlyn Holt, Bobby, Lisa and Jesse Holt and Jared and Kristina Birchall, as well as three great grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brother Mel (Audrey) Davis, sisters-in-law Rosina Brown and Val Fontaine; brothers-in-law Ross (Shirley) Holt and Wally Holt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She is predeceased by her husband Jack in 1952 and Owen in 1991, her parents Charlie and Mary, her brother Glenn and sister Beth, brothers-in-law Bob Holt, Bill Holt, Harold Bailey, Art Brown and Ron Fontaine; sisters-in-law Agnes Davis, Doris (Holt) Bailey, Helen Holt, Jean Holt, Ann Holt and Fay Holt.
Ida enjoyed curling, golfing and there was never a card game that she wasn't involved in. She also belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and was a lifetime member of Royal Purple.
She worked with Wally and Flo Hoffer at the Dry Cleaners and from there she became a care aide, working at Cypress Lodge until her retirement in 1984.
Ida had traditional ideas and passed on to her children the value of honesty and integrity, but also not to take life too seriously and enjoy yourself. Never one to sugar-coat things, if you asked what her thoughts were, you had best be prepared for her assessment. She also had a soft side and would do and give anything to help someone out. She enjoyed the company of family and friends and was always an easy-going, humorous and fun guest.
Ida's love, support and good nature will be missed by all who knew her.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church in Maple Creek, Sask. with Captain Ed Dean officiating. Interment took place at the Maple Creek Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in Ida's life.
Those who wish to may remember Ida with a donation to the Southwest Health Care Trust.
To email an expression of sympathy you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca.
Binkley's Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, in charge of arrangements, 306-662-2292.