Ida Mae Gene Lundy

Ida Mae Simms-Lundy

Ida left this world on December 13, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. Ida was born September 1, 1929 in Vinita, Oklahoma to Paul and Meda (Hall) Simms. At 3 years old she lost her mother and was placed with her maternal grandparents who raised her. She had very fond memories of her grandparents and all they taught her in her life. She had 3 brothers and a sister who, even though separated, remained as close as siblings could be.

Ida graduated from Vinita High School and had some college. Ida was constantly learning, loved to find out the ins and outs of everything. Ida was well traveled and loved sharing her adventures with others, made many trips with her siblings and other family members. She was a wonderful photographer, amazing gardener and she loved her family above anything else.

Ida married Lloyd Lundy on December 25, 1947. To this union came Connie Norris-Baldwin and Jane Matlock. Throughout their married lives they had many adventures and tried their hand at many things. They had funeral homes in Miami and Welch Oklahoma. After that, opportunity presented itself in the restaurant business, with businesses in Vinita and Salina, Kansas. Their ultimate and final business venture was the Hospitality Industry, starting with the Sands in Salina, Kansas. Then on to Hays, Kansas in 1966 to become managing partners in the Best Western Vagabond. They went onto to own and operate 6 hotels in Kansas. After Lloyd’s passing, Ida went on to build the Butterfield and Days Inn (Ellis), with her partners; daughter Jane, grandson Chris and close family friend, Sabrina Symns. They were later sold and Ida and Jane moved back to Vinita, Oklahoma to be closer to family.

She became a Grandmother in 1973 and 1974, she took her role as Grandma very seriously. She took Jenny and Chris on many of her adventures traveling. She helped with all of their show and tells in school with pictures and items brought from so many different countries she traveled to. They had a cabin in Grove, Oklahoma that they went to every summer and made so many memories with Jenny and Chris but also her siblings and their families.

It’s so hard to sum up the life of such an amazing, loving and caring woman. She worked hard every day of her life but never lost the joy of giving to others. She suffered so much loss in her life but always tried to see the positive side of things. Always picking herself up and doing what needed done. To say she will be missed by all who knew her is such an understatement.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, her daughters Connie and Jane, her parents, grandparents and siblings, Pauline Poe, Robert (Bud) Simms and Tom Simms.

She leaves behind her brother Charles Simms, her grandchildren Jenny Norris-Burch (Allen) and Chris (Megan) Norris, 6 great-grandchildren; Aaron Hintz, Sam Hintz, Nick Burch, Cj Norris, Mason Norris, Cy Drobeck and Sophia Norris. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

There will be a private celebration of life at a later date.