Ida Belle Glassey was born on November 19, 1930 in Waka, Texas, a small community in western Ochiltree County near Perryton, Texas, to Robert Daniel Glassey and Elsie Frances Stephenson Glassey and passed from this life on December 29, 2015 at 10:43 a.m. in the Memorial Nursing Home, Dumas, Texas. Ida Belle had just recently celebrated her 85th birthday with family and friends while residing in the nursing home. Services were held on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, Dumas, Texas, with Pastor Joseph Maratta officiating. Burial followed in Northlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Dumas, Texas. Arrangements were by Morrison Funeral Directors.
When Ida Belle was only 11 years old, she went to live with Vernon and Inez Keahey on their farm near Crawford, Oklahoma. She first came to stay with the Keaheys while Mr. Keahey was serving in the army. While living with the Keaheys she became big sister more to Charles, Kathy and Gary. She attended the Crawford Schools and was graduated from Crawford High School, which was only a short distance from the Keahey Farm. Ida Belle’s mother and father lived several miles north of the Keaheys in a rural-remote area known as the Snakey Bend. When the Glasseys moved from that area to Cheyenne, Oklahoma, Ida Belle continued to live with the Keaheys until she was 29 years old and married the love of her life, Charles White, Jr. on April 1, 1960 to Clayton, New Mexico. After marriage, the Whites, made their home in Dumas, Texas for many years, where Charles was a barber until his health forced his retirement.
Ida Belle owned and operated Ida Belle’s Bakery on South Porter Street in Dumas for many years. She was known far and wide for her cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, twists and beautifully decorated birthday and wedding cakes.
Ida Belle was not only a seasoned baker, she was also an excellent cook. At one time, she cooked for a local nursing home and for the Kona Kai Motel Restaurant, owned and operated by Bill Raney.
She was devoted to her family and worked tirelessly to protect and support them in every way possible. In recent years, she had the pleasure and joy of having her great grandson, Aaron Lawrence, live with her. What a special relationship they had. She loved him unconditionally and was so proud of his every accomplishment and was always excited and willing to share his latest feat, whether it was baseball, basketball, running….and even football…although she didn’t want him playing football because she was afraid that he might get hurt.
Ida Belle had a strong work ethic…never afraid of hard work and always wiling to do more than her part…sometimes to her own demise. She was strong-willed, determined and maybe just a little bit stubborn.
Several years ago, Ida Belle sat down with her sister, LaVerne Beason and prepared her memorial guide, which has proven to be a great help for family as they have prepared for her memorial service.
She was very explicit in what she wanted. She said, “Say whatever you want to, I won’t hear it — but God will. Read anything you want–just get it over with. Don’t stand up there and talk for an hour. Don’t try to preach a rosy sermon and try to preach me into heaven because I have made my peace with God many years ago, and no one can take that away from me.”
We celebrate Ida Belle’s going to her Heavenly home.
Ida Belle was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elsie Glassey; her first husband, Charles White, Jr.; her husband James Platt, whom she married on November 15, 1997; brothers Steve and R.V. Glassey; sister LaVerne Beason; sons, David White and Tommy White; her mom and dad, Vernon and Inez Keahey and the Keahey’s son, Gary Keahey.
She is survived by one daughter, Charlene Wooldridge and husband John of Dumas, Texas. Grandsons: Kevin Wooldridge, Travis Wooldridge, Shaun White, Greg White, Michael White, Timmy White and Tony White.
Great grandsons: Aaron Lawrence, Logan Toler, Gavin Toler, Ethan Toler, Dylan Toler, Billy White, Aden White, Bradley White, Michael White, Nathan Longwell, Harley White, Alexander White, Garrick White, Christopher White and Ryder White. One granddaughter, Shelly Wooldridge.
Great Granddaughters: Kaylie Toler, Angel White, Michelle White, Taylor White and Karli White.
Four great, great grandchildren. Special family members and caregivers, Kay Snider and husband, Bobby; Sharon Horton and husband, Jerry; Cherie Coaly and husband, Justin; Kathy Keahey Duggan and husband Greg and Charles Keahey and wife, Mollie. Close friend and classmate, Velma Keahey Williams. Long time, dear friend, Jimmy Clark. A host of nieces, nephews and other friends. Memorials may be made to: Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 224 E. 2nd, Dumas, TX 79029, United Pentecostal Holiness, 602 S. Porter Ave, Dumas, TX 79029 or Memorial Hospice, 209 S Bliss, Dumas, TX 79029
Cheyenne Star, January 14, 2015