Ida Mae Bisnett

Ida Mae Bisnett of Othello passed away on June 21, 2010 in Troy, Idaho.

She was the first to arrive of twin girls born in Madrid, New York on July 3, 1925 to parents Erwin and Dorthia Reynolds.

Family was most important in Ida’s life. It was her greatest love to have family together. It pleased her so much to cook delicious meals and have the table full of guests. She was known for inviting strangers, who soon became friends, who didn’t have anywhere else to go, for dinner and holiday meals. Ida was always reaching out to help anyone in need. While growing up Ida learned the importance of family after losing both of her parents by age three. Ida and her 12 brothers and sisters were separated and put in foster care until they were old enough to work. When Ida was a teenager she joined 4-H. She learned cooking and sewing. She entered canned goods and sewing items in the fair and won enough ribbons to buy her very first brand new winter coat. Ida continued sharing these talents throughout her life. While Ida was young, a storekeeper nicknamed her “Pete”. That name stuck amongst close family and friends. Ida married Theodore C. Bisnett on July 4, 1943.They lived on the family homestead, dairy farm. One day the milking machine broke and she had to milk 45 cows by hand. After many years of farming Ida was hired on the spot at Dine-O Rama in Syracuse. Amazed at her talent in the kitchen and ability working with people she was quickly moved to manager. She was famous for her “Special’s of the day” and had customers always coming back for more. Theodore expressed his desire to move the family to the west. Ida told him he had to have a job and a home before her and the children would move. A short time later, Theodore bought a home in Othello, Washington. Reluctantly, Ida and the children completed their move in 1964. Ida soon felt at home in Othello and said, “The move was the best thing I ever did.” Ida worked as a supervisor in the Potato Plant Industry until her retirement in 1990. After her retirement she loved spending time with her senior group, the Retreads of the Othello Church of the Nazarene. She also continued to stay active with countless family and friends.

Ida was preceded in death by all 12 of her siblings, her husband, parents, and grandson Donald Henneman.

Ida is survived by her six children: Carol (Al) Henneman of Othello, Bill (Linda) Bisnett of Warden, Duane (Kathryn) of Othello, Beverly (Dell) May of Troy, Idaho, Bonnie (Jimmy) Cox of Diana, Texas, Richard (Lyn) Bisnett of Warden, 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Services will be Monday, June 28, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at the Othello Church of the Nazarene. Viewing at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Kayser’s Chapel.