Ida Mae Ward

Ida Mae Ward 93 of Moberly, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2024.  Ida Mae was born on July 30, 1930 in Fayette, MO to Lilborn and Maggie (Burris) Gates. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, Jim and Ora McKee after the death of her mother at an early age. 

Ida Mae surrendered her life to Christ at an early age.  She graduated from Dalton High School  After moving to Moberly in 1965, Ida Mae joined Second Baptist Church (SBC) where she devoted her life to service. 

As a member, she joined The Usher Board; Calendar Club; Senior Choir; and served on various other committees until she was no longer able to serve.  She dedicated her life to loving the God of Heaven and raising her 4 daughters.  Ida Mae was a strong, independent, caring yet quiet soul.  Her smile was contagious and to know her was to love her. 

Ida Mae set a strong work ethic for her family.  She walked to most destinations, often refusing rides to her children’s dismay.  Her parenting style was strict, but it often lead to many Ida-isms.  Her favorite phrase was “What The Devil?” and “That ole Devilish (insert any object).  When asked where she was going her response was “Diddy Wa Diddy”, and she had a perfect telephone voice that sounded similar to the word Yellow.  She did the very best she could and successfully raised 4 daughters without killing any of them. 

She was employed for many years by Arts Appliances and later by Moberly Regional Hospital. 

She was preceded in death by her Parents, brother-Lilborn Gates Jr, the Aunt and Uncle who raised her, brother in law, Carl Eugene Robinson, her son-in-law, Larry Culberson and a host of Aunts and Uncles.

Ida Mae is survived by her best friend and sister, Vernell Robinson of Kansas City, MO., daughters Debbie Moore-Moberly, Clarissa McElrath (Charles)-Dallas, TX, Jeannie Culberson-Jefferson City, MO, Teala Jones (Jeff)-Jackson, TN., grandchildren Felicia Buckner (Duane), Jamaal Moore, Rachael Culberson, Tearra Gates, Brianna Culberson, Kristopher Prince, Charles McElrath Jr.-(CJ), Ashley Gates,  Jordan Jones, Christopher McElrath (Elizabeth), great grandchildren, Tyrell Moore, Nakiyah Jones, Drayden Coleman, Ashton McElrath-AJ, Charlotte McElrath, Charles McElrath III-Tre, and one waiting to join the family, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held at the Second Baptist Church followed by Funeral Services honoring and celebrating Ida’s life.  Committal prayer and burial took place at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Moberly, MO