Ida A. Rees

Born February 16, 1918, Died May 26, 2014

Ida Auleta Rees (nee Martz) died peacefully near Denver. Colorado. She kept her sense of humor and positive attitude toward life until the end. Ida was ninety-six. Born in Riverton Township, Michigan, she lived on the family farm with her parents, Bertha L. Schwass and James C. Martz, and four siblings. She attended Center Riverton School through eighth grade and was Valedictorian of Scottville H.S., class of 1936. She graduated with a M.S. Degree in Education and Psychology, attending Central Michigan University, Antioch College, Claremont College and Long Beach State University.

Ida taught school in Mason and Lake Counties, returning to school at Antioch College for advanced study. There she met and married Mario di Gesu. They moved to California and pursued careers in education. Ida spent thirty years as a teacher, counselor, and school psychologist.

In 1963 she married Dr. David Rees, a research psychologist and former WWII pilot and prisoner of war. Ida and Dave travelled extensively in Mexico, Europe and the Middle East, and covered the U.S. in their motor home, “Big Mo.”

She generously shared her talents with charitable organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority, VFW Auxiliary, Lytle Creek (CA) community, and People’s Church (Ludington, Michigan).

She danced into her late eighties with partner Robert Hamilton of Ludington to big band music. Ida practiced and demonstrated “Fountain of Youth” exercises until the age of ninety.

Ida leaves many close friendships and loving family members in Michigan, Washington and California. She is survived by sister Julia Morrell, sisters-in-law Milda (Donald) Martz, Dorthea (James) Martz, and Josephine (Charles) Martz, daughters Mary Jo Bartholomew and Connie Grabois and her husband Mitch, grandsons Brandon Moran, Joel Grabois and Russell Grabois. She was predeceased by her brothers, Donald Martz, James Martz, and Charles Martz, and husbands Mario diGesu and David Rees.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, Thornton, CO.