Ida Mae Murray

Dodge City, KS – Ida Mae Murry, 89, died March 2, 2020 at The Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. She was born February 25th, 1931, to Guy Leslie and Ida Idella (Thompson) Watkins of Brewster, KS. 

Ida was the youngest of 9 children, and probably the most ornery.  She was closest in age and heart to Lucille and Glen growing up on the farm, but truly loved all of her family.  She would continue to cherish her family throughout her life, making time with them important.  Ida’s young life was difficult after graduating 8th grade.  She endured failed marriages, the loss of her children in 1954 due to hardship of raising them on her own, and the loss of their father. The adoption of her children was something that wore heavy on her heart for most of her life.  In 1963, while waiting tables in Denver, she met a tall, strapping man by the name of Melvin.  A conversation turned into a date on the dance floor on a Saturday night.  Dance nights continued every Saturday after their marriage on May 2nd of the same year.  Melvin brought her back to farm life, that she didn’t realize she even missed.  Thus began the life that is cherished in the hearts of her grandchildren, growing up on The Farm. 

Later in their marriage, Ida and Melvin loved to travel all over the United States, collecting bells and salt/pepper shakers from their travels.  Albums full of their adventures speak volumes of those moments in time. Whether she was working in the field or in the kitchen, she always had to have her nails done and looking pretty.  It was important to her to always look her best, even with her fingers hooking a fish. She was a country girl with a splash of city.  Her quick wit would often catch people off guard, but they would soon warm to the amazing smile she would flash their way.  That sense of humor lives on in many of her grandchildren, who grew up with so many laughs on the farm.  She was strict when needed, but always fair. Gentle and loving, except when she knew you were being a “faka-booga”, then she simply didn’t put up with it.

In 1973, after 19 long years, Sherry, Jerry and Betty found their mother, and Ida’s life started to feel complete.  The weight of all those years slowly started to dissipate.  She finally had her family.  As grandchildren started to show up, her heart swelled bigger than she could ever imagine. When Tommie (Doug), the baby came back into her life, it expanded even more.  Melvin embraced every single one of them, with his whole heart.  The Farm would never be the same, with little kids running around getting into the pig pin and various other off limit places.  But, they loved every minute of it.

Life still had it’s struggles for the next 47 years, but she never gave up.  If family had to choose one word to describe Ida, I’m sure “strong” would be the most popular, followed by independent.  Despite everything life threw at her, she remained strong. She loved big, she fought for what she believed in big, she was just bigger than life. Bigger than her small frame.  C.O.P.D. and various other injuries, never stopped her from enjoying her life and spending time with family.  She was going to keep going until she literally couldn’t anymore.  You could never tell her that she couldn’t do something. That stubbornness lasted until her final breath.  When there was only 1 hour left, she said “I don’t think so” and stayed with us for 5 more hours. She was surrounded by family who poured out their hearts to her, trying to give back, if even a little, a portion of the love she gave all of us.

Ida is survived by her two daughters, Betty Snodgrass of Dodge City and Sherry Stanislowski and husband Jean of Pocatello, Idaho; two sons, Jerry Tolley of Chubbuck, Idaho and Tommie (Doug) Thomas; 8 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

These are the legacy she leaves behind.

Gerald (Jerry) Lynn Tolley - Ryder Cash Tolley and Jaxson Lynn Tolley

Jason David Tolley –

Joy Danielle Jenkins - Shania Danielle Jenkins, Mariah Lynn Jenkins, Mia Renee Jenkins

Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Thomas – Llewiyn Adam Eugene Elliot, Brie Dee-Ann Elaine Elliot

Kirsten Rhea Kristl – Hannah Lee Hammond, Kacey Lynn Turner, Ryan Renae Anaya, Jakob Mathew Kristl, Corie Lee Riggle.  Great-great grandkids – Rhealynn Marie Anaya, Novalee Turner, Jackson Phillip, Matthew James Patrick Dengler, Ava Kathleeen Dengler

Josh Thomas and Jodie Tackett – Skylar Caleb Thomas, Caleb Thomas, Sage Thomas

Summer Lyn and Michael Bates – Gracie Lynn Bates, Mava Rose Bates

Jason Alan and Melanie Snodgrass – Mason Alan Snodgrass, Jenson Murray Snodgrass, Parker Shay Snodgrass

David James and Kelley Snodgrass – Brodie Heisman Snodgrass, Tegan LouAnn Snodgrass

David Patrick and Nikki Stanislowski – Dylan Presley Stanislowski, Bentley Gage Stanislowski, Brecklyn Mae Stanislowski, Xavion Harding Stanislowski

She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin; parents, Guy and Ida; 4 brothers; Leslie, Merle, Ray and Glen; 4 sisters; Ethel, Mildred, Dottie and Lucille.

Funeral service will be held at Baucke Funeral Home on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10:00 AM with Jeremiah Kriger presiding.  Burial will follow at Holyoke Cemetery. 

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