Ida M. Palen, daughter of William Henry Palen (1869-1931) and Elizabeth (Barnes) (1876-1960) Palen, was born 23 March 1895, Ingham County, Michigan.  Ida married Clare Austin Riggs (1893-1957) and bore a daughter, Dorothy Alice, in 1916.  Ida divorced Clare 8 February 1928, Ingham County, for "neglect and non support."  The 1930 US Federal Census enumerated Ida, divorced, living with her brother and his family, and employed as a cashier at a beauty shop, Lansing, Ingham County. 

Ida returned to school.  She was married a second time 21 March 1934, Ingham County to Ralph Theodore Hawkins.  On the marriage license Ida listed her occupation as "student."  She graduated from Okemos High School in 1935 using the name "Ida Palen Hawkins."  She was 40 years of age!

The 1940 US Federal census enumerated Ida's high school graduation accomplishment by listing educationally her "highest grade completed" as 4 years.  Ida was employed in the kitchen at the Michigan State Sanatorium.

Ida and Ralph operated for her mother "Palen Acres" farm, Alaiedon Township, Ingham County.  Mrs. Palen struggled during World War II when Ralph was in the US Army 181st Ordinance Ammunition Company, until his honorable discharge in August 1945. 

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 14 October 1947

Mrs. Elizabeth Palen recently sold her farm on Dobie road to L. Stowe.  Mrs. Palen, who had lived there for 50 years, will move to Howell where her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hawkins will reside with her in a home she has purchased there.

Ida died 17 October 1974, Howell, Livingston County, Michigan.  She was interred near her parents in Leek Cemetery, Okemos.  Ralph, born 23 March 1905, Eaton County, Michigan, died 10 April 1981, Howell.  He was interred with Ida.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Friday 16 October 1974

IDA M. HAWKINS

LAKESIDE DR., HOWELL

Mrs. Hawkins age 79, died Thursday, October 17, 1974 in a local hospital.  Survived by husband Ralph T.; daughter Mrs. Dorothy Huntley of Petoskey.  Funeral services will be Saturday 1 p.m. at MacDonald's Funeral Home.  Interment in Leek Cemetery, Okemos.