Obituary of Ida L. Widener

 

Ida Laurell Widener, 56, passed away April 5, 2020 at home in Weiser, ID, surrounded by her loving husband, her daughters, and their families after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Ida was born June 6, 1963, to Alburn & Cora Allen in Nyssa, OR. She was born 20 years after her eldest brothers and was the joy of her parents’ life. Cora died when Ida was two years old. Ida spent the long days during planting season with local farm families playing with the Westerberg, Payne, and Lang children while Alburn was working in the fields. Ida grew up on a Vale area dairy farm and learned the necessity and value of hard work. She participated in 4-H sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. She was a member of the Malheur Butte Baptist Youth Group, Vale High School FFA team, and Malheur County Empire Builders. Ida won the 1981 Malheur County Dairy Princess contest and gracefully represented Malheur County and the dairy industry in the Oregon state competition. She graduated from Vale Union High School in 1981 and attended Eastern Oregon State College and Beauty School in La Grande, OR. 

In 1984 Ida married the love of her life, Jeff Widener. They resided in Jeff’s home town of Weiser, ID. Ida worked with her father-in-law, Oliver Widener, in his barbershop. Ida and Jeff brought two beautiful daughters into this world, Hannah Widener and Stephanie Widener (Lanham); Ida always wanted to be a mother. Ida became not only a wonderful mother but also a nanny to three beautiful grandchildren, Whitlee Lanham, Raelee Lanham, and Kashton Joslin. Ida was a Ranch Manager with her husband Jeff at Sage Rock Ranch in Weiser, ID. Those who knew Ida know that she loved nothing more than being a wife, mother, and nanny to her grandchildren. Ida loved being outdoors; she enjoyed many adventures including hunting, fishing, and bucking bull trips with her husband Jeff. She often out-fished and out-hunted him, which always put a smile on her face. Ida served on the Washington County Weed Board, and she worked countless hours throughout Washington County helping land owners control their noxious weeds.

Ida had a wonderful laugh and a keen sense of humor. She was incredibly hard-working with a deep sense of integrity. Everyone who knew Ida knew that they had a genuine friend. Ida was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and nanny.

Ida was preceded in death by both of her parents, Alburn Allen and Cora Allen; and her brothers, Lee Allen and Kenny Allen. Ida is survived by her husband, Jeff Widener; daughters, Hannah Widener (Ty & Kayden Joslin), Stephanie (Zeb) Lanham; grandchildren, Whitlee & Raelee Lanham, Kashton Joslin; parents-in-law, Oliver and Dorothy Widener; sister Tracie Widener; brothers Gene Allen and Larry Allen; and nephew Matt Patterson.

Everyone will miss Ida’s beautiful smile, her quick wit, and her enduring love and dedication to her family and friends.

The family would like to thank the owners of Sage Rock Ranch, Tom and Barbara Stephenson, and their son Alexander for being more than just employers; you are family. Thank you to all of Ida’s numerous friends for their continued love and support.

A Celebration honoring Ida's Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the home of Ron and Leslie Shirts, 1555 Hyw 95.

Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home. 

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ida Widener, please visit Tribute Store