Ida Mae Dempsey

When something shining and beautiful is found underneath a seemingly rough exterior, it is often compared to a diamond, something so naturally brilliant found beneath a rugged surface. Ida Mae Dempsey was a diamond. She had a tender and loving heart, yet she was outwardly feisty and often opinionated. A hard worker, she would do anything for her family. She loved to play Bingo and go bowling, but the activity she liked the most was spending time with those she loved the most. Life in America during the early 1920's was without question very prosperous. So much so that people came from far and wide searching their fortunes and seeking the American dream. However, this time of prosperity would soon be short-lived. Yet, for Fred and Jessie (Johnston) Hutson, 1923 was a good year, with no signs of the impending depression. They owned a small farm in Morley, Michigan, a small community south of Big Rapids and were anxiously awaiting the birth of their third child. On April 2, 1923, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl they named Ida Mae. Ida grew up in the company of her six brothers and one sister, and living on a farm they all had chores to do. They were a close-knit family and were always helping each other, establishing a closeness that remained throughout their lives. Ida attended elementary school in Morley and was sometimes teased by her classmates about her name. Their favorite taunt was Ida Mae or Ida Mae not. Some even called her All Righta Ida. If the names hurt, Ida took it all in stride. One of the regular farm chores was picking potatoes. This was a tough job for a youngster, but it came with its perks. Picking meant a day off from school and for kids, that made it all worthwhile. By the time Ida was in school, and old enough to pick potatoes, the entire country was reeling from the Stock Market crash of 1929. Times were tough for everyone and Ida often told of having nothing more than a radish sandwich to take to school for lunch. Ida knew that her family had to make every thing they had last as long as it could. As a young girl she learned to sew and became an excellent seamstress. After the 8th grade, Ida began babysitting to help earn more money. Her reputation as a dependable and reliable sitter soon earned her a job as a live-in sitter. Down the street from where she was working lived a young man named Herbert William Bill Ordish. Bill was curious about the new sitter and went to check things out. He was quite taken with young Ida and asked he to go out with him. Being shy and somewhat reserved, Idas first response was a polite No thank you. However, Bill was determined and finally Ida was persuaded to go on a double date with Bill. Well, the rest, as they say, is history. The double date must have gone very well for the couple was soon married in 1941 and began a family of their own. Bill worked at the Norge Corporation and also built houses. When not assisting Bill with the building, Ida was busy caring for their home and their two children, James and Sandra. The plan was to build a house, and live in it while they built a second house. When that was done, sell the first one, move into the second and start the third, and so on. To relax, they enjoyed spending their leisure time going motorcycle riding with their good friends, Gale and Rachael Mudrow. However, Bill was injured in a motorcycle accident and they had to move to Arizona for his health. With Bills ability to work somewhat limited, Ida soon found herself being the breadwinner. She worked in the cotton fields picking cotton and also worked at a leather company. They returned to Michigan in the mid 1950s, but Bill died soon after the move. A long-time friend of Idas was a gentleman by the name of Elmer Dempsey. After Bills passing, Ida and Elmer began dating and were married in January of 1957. Their union was blessed with the birth of a son, Robert. Elmer was a good husband and a good provider, supporting his new family by working at a tool and die shop and also for Sealed Power. Sadly, tragedy struck again when Elmer passed away in 1998. In spite of the sadness in Idas life, she had many friends and activities to keep her going. She loved to play Bingo, especially with her good friend Rachael Mudrow. She was on a bowling league and won many trophies bowling for Punches. Besides being a talented seamstress, Ida also enjoyed crocheting, doing crafts, upholstering furniture and even some carpentry. She could do just about anything she set her mind to. But her favorite activity was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As far as Ida was concerned, her children could do no wrong. When her kids got married, Ida didnt always have the same thoughts about her in-laws, but over the years they have all shared a chuckle in understanding. Remember, Ida had her own opinions and was not afraid to share them. For the last four years, Ida lived at a nursing facility, and died Friday, October 24, in the early morning hours. In Ida Mae Dempseys golden years she was able to spend some of the best and happiest moments making the most of her time with her loved ones, as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. With her passing, these are the moments that will remain in the hearts and minds of her family and friends for a lifetime. Idas is survived by her sons, James (Judi) Ordish, Robert (Diane) Dempsey, both of Muskegon; daughter, Sandra (Terry) Hines of Ravenna; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Dell, Cliff and Wesley, 1 sister, Marian. She was preceded in death by husbands, Herbert William Ordish & Elmer Dempsey. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Wayne Hull officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit Idas personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.