The Inspiring Life of Ida Lucille Trussell Hardy

The story of Ida Lucille Trussell Hardy is one of resilience, dedication, and quiet influence. Though not a household name, her life offers valuable lessons about hard work, faith, loving dedication, and the power of community service. This post explores her biography, highlighting key moments and contributions that shaped her legacy.

Ida and Doyle, Celebrating 50 Years!

Early Life and Family Background

IDA LUCILLE TRUSSELL was born on August 7, 1932, in Clearwater, Nebraska. She was the fifth of six children born to Moses and Alice (Philippi) Trussell. The family moved to Homedale, Idaho in 1936, where they farmed until 1946, when they relocated to Dallas, Oregon. Ida attended high school in Dallas and then returned to Homedale.

Marriage and Family Life

On July 14, 1948, Ida married the love of her life, Doyle Ralph Hardy, also of Homedale. In the early years of their marriage, Ida and Doyle moved several times, living and working in Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. Their first child, a son, Doyle, was born in 1949 in Nampa, and daughter Deborah (Debbie) was born in 1952 in Hawthorne, Nevada. In 1955, Ida and Doyle returned to Nampa where another son, Samuel (Sam), joined the family in 1960.

Ida attended Nampa Business College and worked for a number of local businesses until 1967 when Ida and Doyle started their own business--J & D Sheet Metal. They sold the business in 1992 when they retired and moved to Cascade where they resided until Doyle’s death in 2001. Ida then moved to Eagle to be close to her daughter.

Ida loved her family deeply and cherished many close friendships. She was greatly loved and admired by her family and friends, and all benefited from her extensive interests and hobbies. Ida baked and decorated wedding cakes, loved sewing, making memory bears, scrapbooking, traveling by motorhome and internationally, researching genealogy, spending time at the Oregon Coast and in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and playing cards.

Community Engagement, Faith & Social Contributions

Ida’s faith was the center of her life. She attended the Christian Church in Homedale and was baptized at the First Christian Church in Dallas, Oregon. She transferred her membership to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nampa and was an active member serving in many capacities until illness limited her participation. Ida taught Sunday school classes, helped with the youth group, served as President, Treasurer, and group leader for her church’s Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWF) and also served as President of the Southwest Idaho Region CWF. She was the first woman in the Nampa church to be elected as an Elder and the first woman to serve as the church’s Board Chair. Ida served as Outreach Chair and was a member of the Memorial Committee. She worked on numerous church projects and one of her favorite activities was to call on church members who were homebound or in nursing homes to visit and serve communion.

Ida was an enthusiastic member of the Pioneer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Matoaka Chapter of Colonial Dames, The Society of Descendants of the Colonial Clergy, Order of Descendants of Colonial Physicians and Chirurgiens, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. She served as Governor, Deputy Governor General, and Treasurer for the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Idaho, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. Ida was honored by the Governor General of the Society of Mayflower Descendants with the Commendation and Appreciation Award in 2010 and the Certificate of Recognition in 2015.

Ida passed away at home on July 15, 2017, following a long and courageous journey with both Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Coronary Artery Disease.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Ida Lucille Trussell Hardy's legacy is reflected in the lives she touched and the community improvements she helped bring about. Though she did not seek fame, her work laid the groundwork for future generations to build upon.

Her story reminds us that meaningful change often starts with quiet dedication and consistent effort. By focusing on education, community service, and family values, Ida created a lasting influence that continues to resonate.

Her life encourages us to consider how we can contribute to our communities in practical ways, using our skills and passions to make a difference.