Ida Jones Creech

Ida Jones Creech, 91, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on April 24, 2026.  She was born October 13, 1934, in Owingsville, Kentucky, Ida was the daughter of the late Leslie and Gertrude Crouch.

Ida was preceded in death by her children, Larry Jones, Daniel Jones, Thomas Jones and Darriel Jones; her stepchildren, Jimmy Jones and Danny Jones; eight siblings:  Juanita Jones, Mary Francis Banks, Emma Lee Bailey, Barbara Jones, Stanley Crouch, Jimmy Crouch, Lucille Ingram and a baby sibling who passed at birth.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Driggers (Randall) of Lakeland, Florida; 15 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings Cookie Buckler, Melvin Crouch and Kenneth Crouch. Ida is also leaving numerous nieces, nephews and extended family whom she deeply treasured.

 Ida moved to Florida in 1967, where she began a career as a waitress at Richie's Cafe', a role she truly loved.  There, she enjoyed serving the Miami Dolphins players as well as members of the local community.  In 1974, she relocated to Lakeland, Florida, and continued her passion for service at the former Sambo's restaurant.  Her love for hospitality eventually led her to take over the Eat-A-Bite restaurant in Lakeland, which she successfully operated for several years.

In 1983, Ida fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own restaurant in San Antonio, Florida.  She thrived while serving the local community, and her home-cooked meals were even enjoyed by the Bellamy Brothers when they stopped by.

Later, Ida worked at the Days Inn in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, at the Sterling Kettle restaurant.  She served as a cook alongside her sister Juanita, under the management of her sister Cookie.

Beyond her work, Ida loved to travel and frequently returned to her hometown in Kentucky for family reunions, camping trips and boat rides at Cave Run Lake.  She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, love of family and the joy she found in serving others.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville with Brother Kenny Crouch officiating. 

Burial will follow at the Slate Valley Cemetery. 

Visitation at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville will be from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Wednesday. 

Pallbearers include, Andy Crouch, Jason Crouch, Tyler Elliott, Tony Norris, Tommy Jones and Chris Jones. 

Honorary pallbearers include, Terry Crouch, Wendall Ingram, Kevin Crouch, Roy Jones and Mike Crouch. 

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is caring for all the arrangements for Ida Creech.