Eldamae Widman, 86, of Hiawatha, died Thursday evening, December 8, 2016, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Eldamae was born January 12, 1930, in Robinson, one of ten children born to Charles and Bonnie Reed Soden.  She grew up in Robinson where she attended school, later graduating high school. Eldamae worked at Flair Fold Manufacturing in Hiawatha before going to work for Brown County.  She worked for Grace Jones in the treasurer’s office for a number of years.  Upon Grace retiring, Eldamae was elected treasurer of which she served for several terms before retiring. Upon retirement, she moved to Branson, MO for a number of years, returning to Hiawatha in 2005 to be near family.

Mrs. Widman was a Doe of the BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge.  While in Branson, she was very active with the Senior Citizens Center.  She enjoyed line dancing, bowling, reading, watching the History Channel along reality shows on television.
She was married to Melvin Widman, July 27, 1950, at the First Christian Church in Hiawatha.   After her marriage, they moved to Ohio where they lived a few years before returning to NE Kansas.  They later moved to California where he attended barber school, returning to Hiawatha.  He died December 26, 1988.  

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sons:  Michael in 1985, Ronnie in 2002; a grandson Todd in 2000; two brothers: Marion, Frank; three sisters:  Ruby, Opal, and June.

Survivors include a sister Charlotte Hageman of rural Hiawatha; three brothers: Robert “Bob” Soden and Dale “Sam Soden, both of Hiawatha, Gerald Soden of Baldwin City, KS; grandchildren:  Roni Brockhoff and her children Ethan and Tork, Michael Widman, Clint Widman, Jill Blake and her children Mila Quinn and Anistyn.

A Celebration of Eldamae’s life is planned on 2:30 Monday, December 12, at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 until 7 Sunday evening.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Widman Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com