Ida May Hoogendoorn, affectionately known as Ida, graced this world with her presence on Oct. 14, 1934, in Denver, Colo. Her journey on earth came to a peaceful conclusion on June 27, 2024, at the age of 89, in Alamosa, Colo., where she departed peacefully surrounded by the warmth of her family's love. Ida's life was a testament to the power of kindness, love, and dedication to family and community.

Born into the vibrant hues of autumn, Ida's life mirrored the season's rich tapestry. She shared a beautiful and enduring love with her husband, Jack Hoogendoorn, where they built a life together, and were married for 68 years.

Their legacy of love lives on through their children: Jean (Tom) Salazar of La Jara, Colo., Carla (Rodney) Philpot of Rio Rancho, N.M., Linda (Terry) Kuskowski of Kingman, Ariz., and Jim (Janice) Hoogendoorn of La Jara, Colo. Ida's joy multiplied with the arrival of each grandchild: T.J. (Amber) Salazar, Jocelyn (Mitchell) Buhr, Rebekah (Pranay) Avula, Lee (Katrina) Philpot, Joshua Hoogendoorn, and Myranda (Justin) Wilson, and further blossomed with her 12 great-grandchildren.

Ida's professional life was marked by her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering faith. For over three decades, she and Jack owned and operated the Good News Christian Book Store and the Good News Flower Shop, establishments that became cornerstones of the community. Her work was not just a means of livelihood but a way to spread positivity and support to everyone who walked through their doors.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was an active and cherished member of the United Church of Ja Jara. Ida's musical talents were a gift to all as she played the piano for many years during church services, filling the sanctuary with melodies that touched the hearts of the congregation.

Ida's interests were simple yet profound. She found joy in the pages of a good book and the challenge of word searches, but her true passion was in the kitchen. Renowned for her baking skills, Ida's family will forever cherish the taste of her favorite pies, a sweet reminder of her nurturing spirit. She was a woman who put the needs of others before her own, evident in the loving back scratches she gave to her family members, a small gesture that conveyed a world of care and affection.

To know Ida was to know love in its purest form. She was the embodiment of kindness, always extending a helping hand and listening to those around her. Her concern for others was not just a trait but a way of life, woven into every interaction and every relationship she nurtured.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 5, 2024, at the United Church of La Jara. Interment of ashes will follow services in the La Jara Cemetery. 

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances, and condolences for Ida’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerlas.com.