Erla Wideman

1932 - 2025

Erla Jane Rush "GG" Wideman of Venice, FL passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by her family and with well wishes from her friends.

Erla was born on May 20, 1932, to James and Erla Rush of Jersey City, New Jersey. She graduated from Dickinson HS and attended the New Jersey State Teachers College. On March 28, 1953, she married James D. "Jim" Wideman.

Together, Erla and Jim lived in Palmyra, NY as newlyweds, then in Peoria, IL where the family grew by 3 children and then to Decatur, IL where 2 more children were born.

Jim's career in corn wet-milling with the AE Staley Manufacturing Company took the family to Petts Wood Kent, England and Washington Crossing, PA before returning to Decatur. After a few years, Jim & Erla were on the move for Staley's down under to Nowra, Australia.

When they returned to Decatur, they moved to live on Hole 3 of Southside Country Club where they became members. Erla took up golf and enjoyed playing and socializing with the many friends they made there.

In addition to being married, raising 5 children, owning pets and moving the family numerous times (whew!); Erla enjoyed travelling, playing bridge and Scrabble, sewing, needlework, reading and gardening. She was a volunteer for the Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and especially enjoyed the annual "Fun Fair" and helping in the thrift shop. Erla later enjoyed a career as a travel agent.

She and Jim created many happy memories touring North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.

Jim passed shortly after their 52nd Anniversary. At the invitation of a dear family friend, Myron "Brook" Brookfield, she visited Fairfield Glade, TN where she eventually moved. She and Brook had 8 wonderful years together golfing and spending time with friends.

Erla's last move was to Village on the Isle in Venice, FL. Here she was close to family and took on the name "GG" for Great Grandmother. She loved being close to the ocean again and especially enjoyed breathing in the salt air of the Gulf of Mexico at the South Jetty. She is grateful to have made many wonderful friends at "The VOTI" and enjoyed the care there.

Erla is survived by her children; James W. (Sandra) Wideman, Barbara A. Farrar, Susan L. Zamora and David L. Wideman; grandchildren Julia (Josh) Wertheimer, Brett (Darby) Farrar, Alison Farrar, Mercedes (Ryan) Young, and Cody J. Zamora and her great-grandchildren Brooke and Embry Farrar, Isabella Young and Iris Wertheimer.

Erla is pre-deceased by her parents, James and Erla, her husband, Jim, her partner, Brook, and her son, Timothy R. Wideman.

At her request, there will not be a service. Notes of condolence for the family may be sent through Barbara at bawf23@gmail.com. The family is grateful for your love and support, and no gifts or donations are necessary.