Ida Mae Huse passed away December 14, 2021, at the Gainesville Health Care Center. She was born on February 25, 1929, in Tarkio, MO to Fred Arley and Mamie Marie (Allcorn) Rackley. Her family moved to Ozark County when she was seven years old. On March 10, 1948, Idea Mae was united in marriage to Robert Huse in Mountain Home AR.
A graduate of Gainesville High School in 1947, Ida Mae was valedictorian of her class and went on to attend Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State University). After teaching one eight-month term, she found that she enjoyed working with children. A lifelong career in education spanning 40 years started at the one room school at Sand Ridge where she had attended elementary school. She taught in several one room schoolhouses in the county for 13 years. Ozark County schools recognized in 1963 and Ida Mae taught seventh and eighth graders in Gainesville for five years. In 1968 she accepted the position of elementary principal where she served for 22 years. By attending college in the summers Ida Mae received her BS degree in education in 1961. She also earned her master’s in education and Administration degree in 1967. She retired from her career in education in 1990.
During her 40-year career she was always active in professional organizations connected with education. Many years were also spent working with 4-H groups in Ozark County. Following retirement Ida Mae continued to be active in volunteer work with Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Ozark County Senior Center, Red Cross Bloodmobile, Chapter JP of PEO and Delta Kappa Gamma. She also served as a representative in the Silver Haired Legislature in Jefferson City.
Ida Mae was a member of the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church where she served as church clerk for many years, taught the toddler Sunday School class until she was in her eighties, sang in the church choir and Lilly Ridge quartet. She enjoyed working in the church and continued to do so until her health failed.
She is survived by a daughter, Carol King and husband Wayman, of Gainesville; two sons, Michael and wife Brenda of Russellville, AR and Jeffrey and wife, Stacey of Centerville, VA; one brother, Delbert Rackley and wife, Mary, of Rogersville, MO one sister, Judy Vangilder and husband, Tom, of Jonesboro, AR; eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Preceding Ida Mae in death were her parents, husband, one brother, two sisters and one great grandson.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 20th 2021 at the Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 1-2p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Lilly Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lilly Ridge Cemetery, P.O. Box 281, Gainesville, MO 65655; to Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church, P.O. Box 33, Gainesville, MO 65655; or left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
