Ida Mae (Bahler) Skipworth

Ida Mae (Bahler) Skipworth

Ida Mae Bahler was born on farm ten miles east and 2 ½ miles south of Holyoke, Colorado, on May 18, 1923, the 4th child of Alfred and Bertha Bahler. Her siblings are Rosa Norris  (deceased), Albert Bahler(deceased), and Eldon Bahler (deceased). She died peacefully, on Septembert 16, 2015, at the age of 92.

Ida’s parents came to Colorado from Missouri in 1919.  Ida attended school at Pleasant Valley, which was located 2 ½ miles east and 12 south of Holyoke through 2nd grade. About 1931, Alfred bought property from Charley Stiles and moved his family there- one mile east of Holyoke. When Ida was in the third grade, she began riding her bicycle to school in Holyoke.

One day, while Ida was riding her bike home from school, a salesman came along selling Kenelo, (similar to Watkins products) and after getting better acquainted (3 ½ years) Kenneth knew “she was the girl for him,” and the wedding plans began.

Kenneth borrowed the money from Fred Easter to get married and so it happened. Saturday evening the ceremony took place at home of Kenneth’s brother William and Irene Skipworth of Lamar, NE. Rev. R. Worthy Babcock, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene of Holyoke, read the vows at 8:00 p.m. on February 17, 1940. Their attendants were her sister Rosie, sister-in law Irene, and Kenneth’s brother William. Following the ceremony, the wedding party went to the Skipworth’s for dinner.

Kenneth leased the Sinclair filling station at the Jim Hoover sales pavilion and they started their life together. Due to poor health of Ida’s mother, the couple lived with her parents to help out. Later, they raised chickens and cows in Amherst, Colorado. They also fed sheep for Ralph Leech. Kenneth helped his father in law with the farming and to do so, borrowed four head of horses from Albert Bahler.

Ida found time to work outside of the home along with having eight children and keeping house. She worked at various cafes, for Tighes, McCormick’s, Glovers, Boyds, and the Wernets. She also worked for Vincent and Martha Dunn for seven years at the Cedar Motel and later at the nursing home as a cook.

All eight of Kenneth and Ida’s children graduated from High School. At one time, they had children graduating from college, high school, eighth grade, and one going into the first grade, all in the same year. The youngest of eight, Darlene started college in 1979, so there were no more children at home for the first time in thirty-seven years. In 1986, Ida received her High School diploma by obtaining her GED. Her family supported her as she walked across the stage.

She spent most of her years helping raise grandkids, cooking, sewing, and baking as well as playing the piano.  She attended The Holyoke Assembly of God and The Church of the Nazarene. 

Ida was thrilled and appreciative to have been able to travel to Spain, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, and numerous times to Hawaii. She was thankful to have abundant life here but hope of even more abundant Life with Him through Jesus Christ our Lord and risen Savior.

Ida is survived by sons Dwain Skipworth and wife Deanna of Anchorage, AK, Larry Skipworth and wife Merna of Aurora, Marvin Skipworth of Holyoke, and Ken Skipworth of Sterling; daughters Eldene of Holyoke, Laurine Koellner and husband Mike of Haxtun, Colleen Wilson and husband Duane of Parks, NE, Darlene Johnson of Eager, AZ; 21 Grandchildren; over 20 great Grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives. 

Memorials have been established and will be used to give a scholarship to a local student in Ida’s name as well as a contribution to The County Express.  A memorial service will be held on October 25, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Wray, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the arrangements.