Ida Grandma Ida Mitchell Whitten

Mrs. Ida Whitten, age 104, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010. She was born in Breckenridge County, Kentucky on May 5, 1906 to Ed and Fanny Mitchell. She was preceded in death by her husband Hobart; siblings Clarence, Ruth, Stella, Myrtle, Clydie, Forest and Herman; Son-in-Law Lt Col Harold King; and great-grandson Joshua. She is survived by her two daughters, Anne King and Carrol (Andrew) Dykema; 12 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren. There were also several nieces and nephews and special friends Sandy Starlin. Her goal in life was to help other people. She would claim “I respond like an old Fire Horse who hears the bell when I hear someone is in need.” She wrote a column for the Grand Rapids Press called How You Can Help. She was once named Senior Citizen of the week. She loved making food baskets for the needy for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was the longest serving member of the Eagles Auxiliary, participating for over 70 years. She sponsored many projects for The American Cancer Society, including garage sales and bake sales. Grandma loved Bingo and would often play 18 or 20 cards at a time. She was an accomplished seamstress. She remembered that she was making pillow cases for her grandkids when she heard that JFK was shot. She sewed all of her children’s clothes and coats. She could remember when eggs were 5¢ a dozen and milk was 9¢ a quart. One of her most prized possessions was her bright red ‘64 Chevy. Her motto in life was “Don’t be so afraid of dying that you forget how to live.” Most everyone knew her as “Grandma Whitten.” She was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Grandma Whitten’s favorite charity, The American Cancer Society. The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 6 at 11:00, at Oakview Community Church, 4242 Plainfield NE. The Rev. Gerald Vander Velde will preside. Relatives and friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Online condolences and tributes can be made at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com