Ida Mae (Gochenauer) Strite of Tylertown, MS, departed this life on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 20 days. Ida Mae was born in Chambersburg, PA to the late Ralph and Anna (Sollenberger) Gochenauer on February 4, 1937. She was married to Lawrence Strite on June 16, 1956, and they shared 54 years together. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence, daughter Eva, and brother Ralph Gochenauer.

She is survived by her children: Paul & Martha Strite of Foxworth, MS; Carol & Merlin Bechtel of Sumrall, MS; Steve & Dorothy Strite of Fairland, OK; Joe & Sharon Strite of Fairland, OK; Laureen and Jon Zehr of Gladys, VA; Arnold Strite of Tylertown, MS; John & Becky Strite of Smithdale, MS; David and Darlene Strite of Tylertown, MS; Linn and Wanda Strite of Tylertown, MS; and Rachel Strite of Tylertown, MS; 52 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

Ida Mae was a faithful member of the Darbun Mennonite Church. She was known for her hospitality and good cooking, and made many a meal for friends and strangers alike. She milked goats for many years and made many friends through selling goat milk. She also enjoyed quilting and made quilts for children, grandchildren, and for many others in the community. She was a wonderful storyteller, and enjoyed entertaining her family with stories of things that had happened to her and things that she had read.

She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Darbun Mennonite Church in 1379 Kokomo Road, Kokomo, MS. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 8:00 AM until funeral service at 10:00 AM at Darbun Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in Darbun Mennonite Church Cemetery.  Brother Lyndon Burkholder will officiate. Hartman Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.