Ida M. Younger

Ida Moss Younger was born on September 2,1927 to Floyd and Virgil Mae Lightfoot Younger on the family farm at Elmo, MO. Her middle name, Moss, came from her grandmother, Emma Moss. Ida was born 7th of 8 children, 3 girls and 5 boys.

Ida started her career in law enforcement as a store detective in Denver for 4 years, which lead to her becoming a Deputy Sheriff in 1958 with the Denver County Sheriff's Department; reportedly the first female Deputy in the State of Colorado. In 1970, Ida was assigned to work as a Marshal in the Denver County Court system, working with female prisoners and prisoner transport. She retired in 1988 after 30 years of service. Throughout her law enforcement career, Ida excelled in competitive shooting, earning 29 National Sharpshooters certificates and hundreds of trophies, as well as six National Women's Police Combat Champion Distinguished Medals. Ida also held 14 National Pistol Championship records. Ida earned an expert rating from the National Rifle Association and won or placed in many state and national shooting competitions. She reloaded most of the bullets that she used in competition.

Ida was the first woman to be the president of the National Peace Officers Association, an office she held for two years. She was a Patron member of the National Rifle Association and taught hunters safety and home firearms safety to thousands of students through the NRA. She was a charter member of and speaker for the Women in NRA.

Ida was an avid fisherman and hunter, shooting a buck deer last fall at the age of 92. She enjoyed knitting and many family members were recipients of her hand made quilts. Ida enjoyed being with her many friends.

Ida had been battling cancer for the last year and finished her battle on February 21, 2020 at The Oaks assisted living in Fruita, CO. Many thanks to The Oaks staff and Hope West staff for their loving care. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family. Ida is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, except for one brother. She is survived by her brother Richard (Doc) of North Carolina; several nieces and nephews; great and great-great nieces and nephews; and many friends who considered her family. Her beloved cat Smokey has gone to live with a family member.

In accordance with Ida's wishes, the family will hold a small private ceremony to scatter her ashes on Ida Mountain above her cabin near Steamboat Springs, CO later in the summer. In lieu of any gifts or flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Ida's name to Hope West (hopewestco.org), who offered Ida and her family and friends so much comfort over the last year.