Ida Mae Staples, 78, of Columbia City, died at 9:48 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2008 in the emergency room at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
She was born December 15, 1929 in Sparta, Tennessee, a daughter of Samuel and Rosetta (Barker) Mitchell. Her formative years were spent in Sparta and she completed her education at Sparta High School.
On October 24, 1953 she was united in marriage to James L. Staples. They made their first home in Columbia City. They resided in Chicago for nearly 20 years, returning to Columbia City in 1973.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Jim; a son, James S. Staples of Columbia City; and two granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by a son, David Wayne Staples and a sister, Mildred Marie Bertolotti.
The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Rev. J. Phillip Blake officiating. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Whitley County Council on Aging Building Fund.