Ida Guthrie, 89, passed away on October 12, 2022 at MercyOne Hospital, surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 9:00am at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Brooks Funeral Care (formerly Tonini Chapel - 2135 SW 9th St). Burial will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter.
Ida was born on May 29, 1933 in Terravecchia, Italy to Tammaso and Maria Nucaro and immigrated to the United States at age 14. She quickly learned English and made friends while going to school and growing up in Little Italy on Des Moines' south side. Ida married the love of her life, Bill, where they enjoyed a 50+ year marriage and made their home in Des Moines, Iowa, raising 4 children.
Ida was a devoted wife and the best mother and grandmother, staying home and watching over a bustling neighborhood of loud kids where her extended family literally lived across the street. She always had an open-door policy where kids would dash in for a quick drink or snack and leave the mess behind. She spent time with her beloved mom every day and was Zizi (Aunt) to her cherished nieces and nephews. She was a good friend to many. She loved to spoil grandkids. Every kid who has been in her kitchen knows about the candy drawer. Ida was a fantastic cook and baker. Most recipes were made from scratch. Pasta Sunday was a required event. Holiday meals incorporated traditional foods but her famous lasagna is what you liked the most and took home. No one ever went hungry in her house. Her favorite saying was “Eat up America!” She was upbeat and loved to sing and laugh.
Ida was a homeroom mom, fundraiser, volunteer, PTA member and a strong influencer in convincing her kid’s school to build a crosswalk to allow students to safely cross a busy street. A proud Italian, she was a member of the Society of Italian Americans. She served as a translator when The Pope visited Des Moines in 1979. Ida liked bingo and loved playing slot machines with her husband.
Ida is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mike Nucaro; her husband, William (Bill) Guthrie; and her son, Tom Guthrie.
She is survived by her children: Mary (Jesse) Gallardo, Gary Guthrie, and Michael Guthrie; and her grandchildren: Kira Barker, and Gabriella Guthrie; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family.