Our wonderful mother, Ida Ann Watkins (Bisby), passed peacefully on June 11th, 2018 at approximately 2310 hours. Eighteen family members were in the room including her six children. Tears, prayers, and songs filled the room, but most importantly, there was an abundance of love to see her through this transition.
Society tends to measure success in what one has accomplished and acquired throughout their life time. If the yardstick were marked in the lives one has impacted, then there would be a “road” stretching out beyond the horizon lined with individuals who’s lives have been improved for just knowing Ida. She was a very loving and compassionate person. Ida was always willing to help someone in need - whether it was providing a ride to a hair appointment, helping out with watching the grandchildren, or helping someone in distress. Ida’s children could not imagine there being a better mother in all the world. We feel honored and blessed to call her “Mom”.
Ida was born on March 12, 1931 during the Great Depression and raised in Springfield, Illinois. She met and married her husband George (deceased) of 40 years. They both were working at the Allis-Chalmers where they met - he was working an assembly line and she would come by with a cafeteria cart for their breaks. In the fall of 1949, Ida and George were married. They moved to Riverside in January of 1961 to raise their six children: Michael (and Mary) of Spokane, WA; Dennis (and Laura) of Spokane, WA; Debbie Jenkins of Yucaipa, CA, Becky (and Dave) Wallace of Cheney, WA; Stephen (and Miriam) of Valdosta, GA; and Jim (and Tim) of Riverside, CA. Extended family members include Celeste Shively-Barden of Riverside, CA and Deborah Smith of Lacey, WA. Additionally, Ida was proud of her 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter due in December.
Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation on Monday, June 18 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. at Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary Chapel. Following that, there will be a Celebration of Life, officiated by Caroline Flanders, Chaplain at 10:00 a.m. at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary Chapel, 7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, California. (951)-688-1221.
Private committal service will be held later at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California 92518.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Watkins family.
