Ida Marie Rambo was born on July 23, 1924 in Los Angeles, Calif., and passed away at her daughter’s home in Lake Isabella on Aug. 3, 2010. Ida was a WWII Navy veteran stationed at the original Harvey Field Naval Air Station in Inyokern. After stints as a civil service employee at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, then China Lake Naval Weapons Center, she retired and moved to Lake Isabella in 1988 with her husband, the late John Rambo, who passed away in 1993.

After John passed away she would search for anyone that she could care for. The senior apartments were frequent for her along with the Skilled Nursing Facility here in Lake Isabella where she volunteered her time by being a companion for the residents.

Ida loved our valley and our valley loved her. Ida was one who never knew a stranger. If she didn’t know you she would get to know you. She could usually be found at the Pizza Factory (where they still have a photo of her hanging above her favorite coffee maker), the Kernville Airport Café and several other eating establishments throughout the Valley, cleaning tables after patrons finished their meal and being of service wherever needed. At both local establishments, she spent many an afternoon meeting and conversing with friends, both old and new.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

Due to her often-mentioned philosophy, “When you’re walking, your insides are smiling” she could often be seen strolling through both the town and her neighborhood with a permanent smile on her face

Ida is preceded in death by her parents Irving Rice and Juanita Larieux. Her two sisters Barbara Hernandez, Corrine Rice, and her brother Irving “Buddy” Rice. Ida is also preceded in death by one of her own grandchildren Wendy Blankenship.

Ida is survived by her three children, Phyllis Rostad and husband Mike, Denise Floyd, Daniel Peterson, and her “Guardian Angel,” and granddaughter Suzy, as well as her loving sister Memory Walter. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ida Marie Rambo leaves behind a world that is a little less bright due to her absence.

Ida will be laid to rest on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kern River Valley Cemetery in Wofford Heights. Anyone who knew and loved Ida is welcome to attend.