Ida Belle Paterson

Ida Belle Paterson

Iowa City

Ida Belle Paterson, age 94, died Monday, December 15, 2025. For the past four years, she made her home in Toledo, Iowa, though she was a longtime resident of Iowa City.

Born January 5, 1931, in Fairmont, Minnesota, Ida Belle was the youngest of nine children of Russell and Olive (Miller) Clark. She grew up on a farm near Laurens, Iowa, and later moved with her family to Woodward, Iowa, where she met George W. Paterson. The two were married on June 2, 1952, in Perry, Iowa. In 1961, they settled in Iowa City, where they raised their family and became active members of the community. Ida Belle was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the University of Iowa Retirees Association.

Ida Belle is remembered by her four children as a loving mother and a devoted grandmother. She was an accomplished seamstress, wonderful cook, and an avid reader, but her favorite thing was spending time with her family.

Her family includes her 4 children, Jennifer Rendall (Paul), William Paterson, George Richard Paterson (Mary) and Elisabeth Hairston (Kenneth); grandchildren, Rachel Miller, Russell Rendall (Gina), Christopher Rendall (Joy), Benjamin Rendall (Madison), Marie Paterson, Thomas Paterson, Tamra D. Paterson, Kyla G. Paterson, Mariah A. Paterson, Andrew Hairston (Jessica) and Emily Hairston; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Issac Miller, Elliot and Jamie Rendall, Cody, Callen and Emma Rendall, Miles and Zoey Rendall, Malachi N. Mosley, Lydia, Kennedy and Aidan Hairston.

Ida Belle was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George in 2012, her parents and her 4 sisters and 4 brothers.

A memorial service will be held at a later date that will be announced. To share a thought. memory or condolence with her family please visit the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.