Mary Jane Idler

Mary Jane Richards was born January 31, 1942, to William C. and Geraldine A. (Hutton) Richards, and passed away December 11, 2019. She was raised on a farm and ranch north of Kirk and attended Red Top Elementary School. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1959, and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Colorado Womens College in 1961.

She married Darrell G. Idler on December 16, 1961. They were blessed with two sons, Darwin and Doug. They lived in Greeley, where Mary Jane worked as an executive secretary and human resources manager for an engineering firm. In 1974, they moved back to Kirk to partner in the Idler farming operations. The family loved the farm and ranch life. She worked as bookkeeper for the farming operation, as well as serving as business manager for the South Y-W Ambulance Service for 37 years. She was passionate about healthcare needs in rural communities and served on area committees to improve healthcare.

She was also involved in 4-H as a leader and judge. She and Darrell were members of the Kirk Lions Club for many years. They began square dancing in 1976 and enjoyed traveling to dance. They also enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal.

In later years, her favorite thing was spending time with her grandchildren. They baked, did crafts, and played piano together. She loved attending their concerts and school sports.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved husband of 49 years, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Leona Collette and brother-in-law, Keith Idler. Left to cherish her memory are sons Darwin and wife, Diane, of Fort Collins; Doug and wife, Chris, of Kirk; grandchildren Jeremy and wife, Katie, of Parkersburg, Iowa; Madison of Fort Collins; Emily of Kirk; great-grandson, Casey Idler; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Rita Idler and sister-in-law Marie Idler. She also leaves eleven special nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.

Services are to be held Thursday December 19, 2019 at 10:00am at the Liberty School in Joes, Colorado. Interment will follow at the Kirk Cemetery.

Escorts were Dan Collette, Dennis Collette, Jeff Idler, David Idler, Todd Idler, and Nick Idler. Special honorary escorts were grandchildren: Jeremy Idler, Madison Idler, and Emily Idler.

Memorials may be made to South Y-W Ambulance Service, Inc., P O Box 51, Kirk, CO 80824.

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