Leta Belle Ihde

Obituary

Leta Belle Ihde

July 17, 1930 – June 5, 2025

Leta Belle Ihde, 94, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born July 17, 1930, in Lewistown, Montana, to John Ambrose and Minerva Ellen (Rowden) Carrell. While attending Winnett High School in a dormitory — as was common for kids from small farm towns — Leta met the love of her life, Earl Elwood Ihde. Their connection was immediate and lasting; they married just a few months after graduation on October 11, 1948, and remained devoted to each other until Earl's passing in 2001.

Together, they raised three children: Daryl, Dennis, and Regina. The family first moved to Frannie, Wyoming, for Earl's work before settling in Worland, where they would make their lifelong home. Leta dedicated herself to raising their children and running a household with love, structure, and unwavering care. She made sure everyone was where they needed to be — and on time.

Later in life, Leta and Earl invested in rental properties, and she took pride in being a firm but fair landlord. She was known for her strong will, her loving spirit, and her ability to keep things in order.

Leta had a deep love for the mountains, where she enjoyed camping and fishing. She was a gifted quilter and seamstress, creating intricate banners for the Methodist church — a contribution she was especially proud of. She also enjoyed making rag rugs, baking, and serving her church in many ways. Leta was president of both the church board and the Circle J Board, and she even ran her own blueprint printer, helping others design their dream homes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; her daughter, Regina; brothers, Charles, George, Archie, and Harold; sisters, Doris Carrell and Altha McKnire; an infant sister; and her grandson, Matt Ihde.

Leta is survived by her sons, Daryl (Benita) Ihde of Reno, Nevada, and Dennis Ihde (Ginger Klingler) of Worland; grandchildren, Becky (Rondo) Hernandez, Leasa Faw, Sheila (David) Lissman, Lori (Tony) Radoumis, Sheri Ihde, Nathan Dunham, Samantha (Jessie) Stinson, Emily, and Amelia Klingler; 14 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. A memorial service will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kayi Pfoze officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Circle J and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences can be shared at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.