Aunt Ida's Story as written by Aunt Ida:
I was born and raised on a large farm north of Manson, IA. I came from a family of thirteen kids, nine boys and four girls.
We were poor during the depression years, but there was always enough food to eat and clothes to wear. We had fun with many cousins and friends so we didn't realize that we were so poor. My father raised and sold horses and we also had a big herd of milk cows, which we had to milk before and after school.
In 1942 I went to La Junta, CO. to do some mission work at the La Junta Mennonite Hospital. The hours were long and the pay was small but we had our good times in the evenings and the little time we had off. The church was small there but the people made us feel at home with them and we had our souls fed when we could get off to go to church.
In 1957 I left the hospital and went to work in a Doctor's office in La Junta. I worked for a father and son and then after the senior Doctor died I continued to work for the son. I worked for him for 25 years. I worked part time for two years and then in November of 1983 I retired full time.
It was a difficult decision to make but after much prayer, I felt led to leave Colorado and come to Kalona. I had been away from my family for so many years so now it is nice to be near them again. The adjustment hasn't been easy but I am working at it and I am sure I will be able to feel at home in the church in time.
What the future holds, only the Lord knows but I leave it all in His hands and pray that I will be a witness for Him.
Ida was the daughter of C. B. and Emma Grimm Egli.
Ida is survived by a number of nieces and nephews.
Preceding Ida in death were her parents her 12 siblings: Amon, Joseph, Louie, Emery, Maude Swartzendruber, John, Samuel, Lawrence, Jesse, Elsie Litwiller, Rosette Egli and Stanley.
Ida's family extends their appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown them during this time of loss.