Ida Mae (Nix) VanVleet, (affectionately called tater or tater-bug by her family), 71, of Cowling, Illinois, departed this live surrounded by her loving family on October 16, 2021, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.  She was born September 16, 1950, in Crossville, Illinois, the daughter of Lowell Wayne “Andy” Nix and Ethel Mae (Robb) Nix.

She graduated from Crossville High School in 1968, and retired from Wabash Valley Service Company after 32 years of service as secretary.  She later retired from Wal-Mart after 15 years of serving in numerous positions. She attended Keensburg Christian Church in Keensburg, Illinois. She was married to Herbert David VanVleet and he survives.

Ida cherished spending time with her family – especially her grandson, Zane, whom she loved to spoil rotten.  She and Zane worked side-by-side in their fairy garden of flowers. Anyone who knew her, knew she had a passion to dance. She taught line dancing and enjoyed her group of girlfriends who shared with her in many adventures (of which wine tastings were among her favorite activities).  Travelling was another of her favorite things to do.  She enjoyed cruises and trips to England and Ireland.  Her dear brother, Carl Nix, would frequently accompany Ida when eating out and attending movies.

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Herbert VanVleet of Cowling, Illinois; son Carl “C.W.” (Jennifer) VanVleet of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; grandson Zane VanVleet; brother Carl Nix of Carmi, Illinois; nieces Carla Miller and Connie Madden.

She was also a bonus mother to Pamela (Chuck) Warren, Cathy (Darren) Cole, and Mark VanVleet; bonus grandmother to John, Danny, Brent, Jeremy, Sasha, Mark, and Tori; and 13 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Lowell and Ethel Nix; brother Paul Wayne Nix; and bonus son Herbert Michael “Skip” VanVleet.

Visitation and funeral are Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Crossville.  Visitation is 10 am and funeral is at noon. Burial will be in Stokes Chapel Cemetery near Crossville.