CHANCE, Ida Mae

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Ida Mae Chance (March 3, 1918 - March 7, 2015) IDA CHANCE passed away 4 days after her 97 birthday on March 7, 2015. She was in her beloved home surrounded by her daughter and much loved friends. They were singing songs and praying over her as she peacefully passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ida was born in Calcite, Colo. Her parents immigrated from Italy. She was the 7th of 8 children. When Ida’s dad abandoned the family, her mother supported them by making beer, taking in boarders and playing poker. Ida left home at the age of 13 to help support her family. She moved to Denver to take care of a family of 6, she cleaned, did laundry, took care of the children and taught herself to cook. She then followed her older siblings to Hollywood, Calif. Eventually, she met and later married the love of her life, Curtis. They drove to Las Vegas, married and drove back same day to go to work! When WWII broke out her husband joined the Navy and she worked in a defense plant, making doors for B-52 bombers. Ida saved every one of her husband’s paychecks. After the war was over, they were able to purchase a bar/restaurant in Hemet, CA. Later, they relocated to Corona, CA and started Tops TEE Room. They had two children, Debra and Curtis, at which time Ida wanted to stay home to take care of her family. Ida was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She considered being a homemaker her highest calling and privilege. They were married 34 yrs, when her husband passed, unexpectedly, in 1973 from lung cancer, it was devastating to her. Ida took solace in helping to raise her grandson, Rob. Ida, Debra and Rob relocated to Flagstaff in 1976. Ida loved living here. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, knitting and going camping with her daughter. When Ida was blessed by her sons’ three children she took pleasure in taking care of them, they were a joy to her and made her life complete. Ida was involved in several churches in Flagstaff and loved preparing meals for the sick. Ida is survived by her daughter, Debra (David) McKenzie, Curtis(Shirley)Chance. Grandson Rob McKenzie, Curtis (Lindsey), Dominic, and Corrina Chance. Donations in Idas’ memory may be sent to: Billy Graham Evangelical Asso online.