Ida Belle (Maze) Bollinger

Ida Belle Bollinger, 90, recently passed away at her home in Energy.

Ida was born July 6, 1931, in Goreville, to Athol and Ruie (Hudson) Maze. She was the eldest of four daughters.

Ida was a graduate of Herrin High School and acquired several college credits through the years.

She married James “Jim” Eugene Bollinger on July 1, 1950. They celebrated 62 years of marriage until his passing on August 16, 2012.

Ida is survived by daughters, Karen (Pat) Fisher of Bryan, Texas, and Sharon K. Mitchell of Energy; grandchildren, Shawn Damion Mitchell of Energy, Kristy (Steve) Watkins of Hockley, Texas, and Jami (Dontae) Housley of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren, Collier Watkins, Cade Watkins, Hope Watkins, Joy Watkins, Cal Watkins, Kyla Sides, and Kaz Sides, all of Texas.

Ida was preceded in death by several relatives and friends who brought her joy through the years.

Ida was a devout Christian and a long-time member of Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy.

She was diverse and avid in crafting and gardening.

Before her husband’s passing, Ida and Jim enjoyed traveling across the United States and attending St. Louis Cardinal baseball games.

Ida was also a long-time member of many clubs and organizations, holding office in several. To name a few: Home Extension, American Legion Auxiliary Post 347 (Carterville), Red Hats Society (Goreville), Herrin Gardening Club, and Senior Circle.  Ida began her career at Southern Illinois University in the Crime and Corrections Department. After 30 years, Ida retired from the Illinois Department of Public Aid (Human Services) as a caseworker.

Ida and Jim had a close bond with their grandson, Shawn D. Mitchell, so he easily became their caregiver in their latter years. These were cherished years of love and respect.

No services were held upon Ida’s request.

We all know how much Ida loved gardening, especially roses – so all who wish to honor her life are invited to plant a rosebush in her memory at their home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ida Belle (Maze) Bollinger, please visit our floral store.