Lida K. King Douglas, 97, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who didn’t just live life, she created it.
Lida’s curious mind and adventurous spirit took her to higher education at Ward Belmont College. She continued her education at the University of Alabama, where she majored in chemistry and textiles. Lida had a diverse career as a seed analyst, a home economics teacher, and later, a social worker and hearing officer for the General Counsel’s Office for the state of Missouri. Even in retirement, she stayed active, teaching water exercise at the YMCA. For 79 incredible years, she was a proud and dedicated member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Chapters CY and JT), championing women’s education.
She possessed a sharp mind and a lifelong love of learning. You could often find her curled up in her favorite chair with a good book, her cat, and a cup of coffee. An avid traveler, Lida was always happily planning her next international trip and encouraged her family to never pass up the chance for a new adventure.
Lida was incredibly talented with her hands. She was an avid woodworker with a rare gift for turning raw wood into something special. Her crafting and skills in textiles were boundless—from sewing beautiful clothing to creating stunning quilts. She also had a green thumb and passed her love of gardening down to her children. Her legendary "Grandma Camps" were a favorite family tradition, where her grandchildren gathered to learn everything from baking to woodworking.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack W. Douglas, whom she married on June 21, 1953, and lost on May 6, 1974; her parents, Paul and Louise King; and her son-in-law, Vic Goad.
She leaves three children, Gregory (Denise) Douglas, Flo Douglas, and Lida “Kay” (Craig) Smiley; her five grandchildren, Kelsey Douglas (Christian Davila), Caitlin Douglas (Christian Owen), Alisha Goad (Justin Baker), Lida “Kate” Smiley (Tim Buckley), and Jack Smiley (Samantha Reicha); and her three great-grandchildren, Luciana Davila Douglas, Lida “L” Buckley, and Polly Buckley.
In honor of Lida’s lifelong commitment to helping others learn, memorial donations may be directed to the P.E.O. Executive Office, Treasurer's Dept., 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please make checks payable to P.E.O. Foundation. Online donations can be made at: https://peo-portal.com/donations?step=0. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Dunklin Memorial Gardens, Kennett, MO.