Ida Smith was born on October 14, 1920, in Baker, Montana. She was the youngest of 12 children born to Daniel and Barbara Fuchs. When Ida was just four years old, she lost her father to appendicitis. Following this misfortune, the family's local church helped find a suitable partner for Ida's mother and four of her siblings. The man they chose was Emanuel Enzie Sr. from Torrington, Alberta, a widower himself with 13 children. The younger members of both families came to live together in a farmhouse on the hill, one mile east of Torrington, while the older children, who were already grown up, had left to start their own lives.

At age 16, Ida moved to her brother John's farm, west of Torrington, where she worked as a homemaker and helped milk cows. To earn her own income, Ida also worked for various neighbors doing housekeeping and other farmyard tasks. One of the families she worked for was Percy and Frieda Sparks, who lived 10 miles west of Huxley. This is where she met Albert Smith. Albert lived across the road from the Sparks family, and it was there that Ida and Albert were drawn to each other. They were married on July 14, 1939, and Ida moved in with Albert, helping him with farm work while keeping a spotless house. Ida also had a passion for gardening and growing flowers in their yard.

In 1940, Ida had her first son, Arnold, followed by Dwayne in 1943, Miles in 1948, and finally Darrel in 1954. Her boys were her world, and she never once said she wished for a daughter. Along with her love for her sons, Ida also warmly welcomed her daughters-in-law into the family.

In 1969, Albert and Ida decided to retire from farming and moved with Darrel to a rented home in Red Deer. Albert took a job as a night watchman at the city's correctional institution. In 1971, they bought their own house in Red Deer, where Ida managed their home and took care of various boarders who stayed there. They formed close friendships with many neighbors, who became like family to them. Ida continued to maintain an immaculate home and a beautiful flower garden. Her beloved Albert passed away in 1983, but Ida continued to make new friends and found new dance partners. One special companion she met at the Legion was her favorite dance partner, George Watson.

In 1997, Ida simplified her life slightly by selling her house and buying a condo in downtown Red Deer. Once again, she befriended her neighbors and continued to enjoy her social life and dancing. She kept growing flowers on her balcony and maintained her impeccable housekeeping. Ida never lost her fashion sense and continued shopping for a stylish wardrobe, complete with an incredible collection of shoes—99.9% of them stilettos. She also kept cooking and baking, ensuring no one ever left her home hungry. Ida loved giving and receiving gifts; even in her later years, she made sure to get a gift for every member of her family, including great-great-grandchildren, on their birthdays and at Christmas. She also loved decorating for the holidays.

At age 99, when Ida's eyesight and hearing were declining and everyday tasks were becoming more difficult, she moved to the Villa Marie in northeast Red Deer to receive extra care. She remained in touch with friends and family and was fortunate to have her granddaughter, Coralee, who worked at Villa Marie, help care for her. Ida passed away at Villa Marie on August 26, 2024, at the age of 103.

Ida is survived by her sons Dwayne (Dianne), Miles, and Darrel (Carolyn Tester); nine grandchildren: Tracy (John) Williamson, Clinton Smith, Susan (Brian) Peturrson, Tanya (Carl) Scheunert, Shaun (Cara) Smith, Coralee (Jason) Moores, Nicole (Michael) Herbert, Scott Smith, and Leanne (Cory) Haggerty; 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ida was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Barbara Fuchs; her 11 siblings: Lydia Ulrich Holgate (Otto), Fred Fuchs, John Fuchs (Martha), Elizabeth Fuchs, Mary Will (Phillip), Daniel Fuchs (Adella), Philip Fuchs (Adeline), Martha Fuchs, Emanuel Fuchs, Herman Fuchs (Amanda), and Bertha Wilkinson (Charles); her husband, Albert; her son, Arnold; her great-grandson, Jacob; and daughters-in-law, Vikki Smith and Carolyn Smith.

Who Was Ida Smith?

If you didn't get to meet Ida Smith, anyone who did would probably call her "Flamboyant!" She was a woman of style, grace, and beauty; a woman of intelligence who always smelled good; a woman who wasn't afraid to work hard; a woman of faith; a true friend; and the best friend, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother anyone could have. Ida left lasting legacy and was someone we were all so proud to know.

To view Ida's Bulletin (Service Folder), click HERE

Memorial donations may be made in Ida's name to a charity of your choice.