Ida Mae Wright

Ida Mae Wright, 88, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, following complications from a fall at Eden Crest Memory Care.

Born on September 28, 1936, in Lacona, Iowa, to Harold and Frances Haltom, Ida Mae grew up on the East Side of Des Moines alongside her siblings Patricia Murphy and Frank Haltom. Her high school yearbook quoted, "She would give the devil his due" and noted, "She wanted to be with the happy people."

On February 8, 1957, Ida Mae married the love of her life, David Wright, beginning a marriage that spanned more than 68 years. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved back to Carlisle, Iowa, to raise their family and be closer to Wright Chevrolet, David’s business. While David focused on the business, Ida Mae kept the home front running smoothly, creating a warm, loving environment for their children and ensuring that every detail of family life was cared for.

Early in her career, Ida Mae worked as a secretary at United Builders Supply, where she was known for her dependability and cheerful spirit. But it was her dedication to family, community, and her creative passions that truly defined her. A lifelong animal lover, avid reader, and talented seamstress, she was always ready to bake cookies or host fun-filled gatherings for her children, their friends, and extended family.

Ida Mae’s generosity extended beyond her family. She regularly donated blood, volunteered with local elections, led Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, and was an active member of the OBO Club of Carlisle. She was affectionately known as the "best-looking redhead in town."

Ida Mae was never one to sit idly by. She kept herself busy with home projects, making sure everything was in order, and was always tackling tasks with energy and determination. Her organizational skills and ability to problem-solve were second to none, and she passed these qualities on to her children, along with the values of perseverance, thrift, generosity, and unconditional love.

Her legacy is defined by a fiery redhead temper paired with the patience of a saint. She taught her children how to face life’s challenges with both grit and grace, how to love deeply, and how to make a lasting impact on the world. Her quick wit and playful comebacks were legendary, and she found joy in time spent with family and friends—particularly when relaxing in the sun on her deck. In her later years, she enjoyed playing bingo at her assisted care facility, where she was affectionately teased for always winning. Her luck at bingo became a running joke among friends and staff, but she always took it in stride with her signature smile.

Ida Mae is survived by her beloved husband, David J. Wright; her children, DJ Wright (wife Lisa), Penne (Wright) Kniery, and Dane Wright (wife Melody); and her grandchildren, Thomas Thayer, Caitlin Kniery, Michael Kniery, Haley Wright (Fiance Wyatt Essick), McKenzie Wright, and Dane Wright Jr and great grandchild Harper Joe Essick.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Frances Haltom, her sister Patricia Murphy, and her grandchildren Angela Kay Wright and Emmeline Wright.

Ida Mae will be remembered for her strength, warmth, style, and her unwavering love for family and community. Her legacy is one of resilience, laughter, and grace.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” — Renee Wood

In lieu of flowers please donate to:

The Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org