Ida Mae Nelson, 86
Bonners Ferry Herald | UPDATED 4 weeks, 1 day AGO
Ida Mae Nelson, age 86, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at Lena’s Gentle Care surrounded by loved ones.
Ida Mae Nelson was born April 19, 1939, in San Luis Obispo, California, to Daniel and Alice Aniotzbehere.
Dick met Ida when he and his good friend, Carl Nyberg, went to the Old Ivalee Dancehall in Huetter, Idaho, near Coeur d’Alene, where they met up with Carl’s girlfriend Gladys and her good friend, Ida. Dick and Ida were married on August 22, 1957.
Ida loved the farm where she and Dick settled on the Bloom Hill in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, enjoying life with Dick, her five children and the many animals they raised. She loved gardening, camping with her family, afternoon drives, fishing and hunting. Later in life she traveled down south with Dick, enjoying and meeting up with family, friends and many people along the way.
She was preceded in death by her mom, Alice, and stepdad, Cecil Hansen; her son, Kenny; and daughter-in-law, Theresa Nelson; and many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard (Dick) L. Nelson; son, Kenny and Theresa’s children, grandchildren Josh (Teri) Nelson, great-grandchildren Abby and Zach; Jeremy (Missy) Nelson, great-grandchildren, Alex and Ledgen; son, Carl (Margie) Nelson, grandchildren, Haley (Wade) Permar, Bryce (Macey) Nelson, great-grandchildren Paislee, Ryker and Graelynn; son, Lee (Amy) Nelson, grandchildren, Derek Nelson, Mitchell (Ashley) Nelson, great-grandchild, Reece; Bert (Patti) Nelson, grandchildren, Chris (Kristin) Nelson, great-grandchild Abigail, Casey (Kelsey) Nelson, great-grandchildren Ryker and Kynsie; daughter Theresa (Derek) Smith, grandchildren, Amanda (Jeff) Wozniak, great-grandchildren, Hope, Eddy and Johnny; Shawna (Joe) Parham, great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Lenaeh, Lyric, Chase and Kylee.
There will be a private family celebration at a later date.
The family would like to thank Lena at Lena’s Gentle Care for her loving care of our Mom and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.