Ardis "Elaine" (Johnson) Widener

Ardis "Elaine" (Johnson) Widener, 81, of Moline, passed away on February 22, 2025 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.

Services are pending for April.

Elaine was born September 15, 1943 in Moline to C. Raymond and Ardis Johnson. She grew up in Sherrard, Illinois with her parents and two sisters. She graduated from the Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses, Moline, in 1964 and worked at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, in the post-operative unit.

She wed William (Bill) F. Widener on October 15, 1966 in Ascension Chapel at Augustana College, Rock Island. They settled in Moline and were happily married for 38 years until his passing in 2004.

After staying home and raising their three daughters, Elaine worked for 29 years as the bookkeeper for Bozeman, Neighbour, Patton & Noe, Moline.

She was active in her community serving in Junior Service League for many years in several board positions, including President during the organization’s 50th year. She volunteered at her daughter’s schools and was a long-time member of the Ruth Unit at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Elaine was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend who brought a warm smile and a quick wit to those around her. She and Bill enjoyed an active social life and especially their time as members of Short Hills Country Club, East Moline. For 54 years, she returned to a northern Wisconsin lake, a place that became the backdrop of her most treasured moments. Full of lazy days on the lake and large family dinners at night, it was a special place.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Moline Public Library or Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline.

Survivors include her sister, Nancy Lorine of Decatur, AL, her daughters Ann (Cory) Largent of Orchard City, CO, Amy (Paul) Heinicke of Tanunda, South Australia, and Jennifer of San Francisco, CA, her grandsons Ryan Largent, Drew and Sam Heinicke, and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Widener and sister, Janice Green.

The family is grateful for the care received from all the hospice staff, especially nurse Lisa. Elaine passed with the peace of a long life well lived - full of family, friends and joyful memories. 

Memories may be shared at esterdahl.com.