Ida Mary Cowan, 76

Ida Mary Fidura was born on October 27, 1949 to Mary and Alexander Fidura in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the elevator on the way up to the maternity ward. One of eight children, Ida's early years were spent in the Polish area of Philly before her father moved the family for a railroad job in Eagle Creek, Oregon. During her school years Ida excelled at basketball, baseball, tennis, and swimming, which she continued for life. She was a member of 4-H and took on a lot of the responsibility for her siblings.

After graduating high school in 1967, Ida worked as a waitress at Cubby's Diner in Medf...