Ida Marshall, 96, of Denver, CO passed away on August 26, 2023.  Ida was born to Horace and Lucy Mason on May 14, 1927 in North Park, Colorado.  She spent her happy childhood years on the Hill Ranch with her parents and siblings Robert (Bob) Mason and Florence Mason (Roberts).  

After high school, Ida attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism.  She put her education to work at the Fur News (probably her favorite job), Western Farm Life, and for most of the remainder of her career at the Journal of Environmental Health as Editor-in-Chief.  As she worked through her journalism career, she single-handedly and quite successfully raised three daughters to productive adulthood (her goal).  In her 60’s, after leaving her career at the Journal, Ida sought further education in the use of computers.  Soon after receiving her certificate, she spent the last years of her career working for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ida was a proud Colorado native and loved her home state. She was, of course, a CU Buffalos fan.  Ida was a music lover and provided her girls with a music education they’ve used throughout their lives.  Ida loved and was proud of her children and grandchildren even as she kept careful track of their foibles.  She attended all school concerts and plays, enjoyed taking family road trips and went on many a picnic to see the beautiful Colorado Fall colors.  Ida was a good friend to all of her many friends.  Ida, like her mother, was a painter as well as a pianist and had a good eye for taking a great photo.  Her favorite games were Rumikub and Scrabble and she played a good game of both up to the end.  Ida was the lifeblood of Brain Games at Clermont Park during the final season of her life.  

She was a powerful presence and will be missed by those who love her.  Ida leaves behind her three daughters; Robin Marshall, Heidi (Jon) Mahlum and Martha (Robert Daino) Flessner as well as her brother-in-law (Richard Roberts), sister-in-law (Pearl Mason) and four nephews, four grandsons, and five great grand-children (thank God three of them are girls).

Ida was predeceased by her dear parents Lucy and Horace Mason, brother Robert Mason, sister Florence Mason Roberts, nephew John Mason, granddaughter Melissa Hughes, and great-granddaughter Serena Earls. 

In honor of Ida’s wishes, there will be no public services but rather a small family gathering at Big Creek Lake in North Park to distribute her ashes.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Denver Zoo (denverzoo.org/Support/Donate/Tribute Gift and finally in memory of Ida Marshall).  We all thank you in advance for playing part in our mother’s life.  We were all blessed to have known her.