Elaine Joy Widdifield

Elaine Joy Widdifield, born on February 20, 1948, in Peru, Indiana, passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 77. A resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Elaine was beloved by many and cherished for her generous, kind-hearted, and loyal nature. Known for her hard-working spirit and sassy, ornery demeanor, she was a Christmas-loving soul who touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Elaine grew up in Lagro on Salamonie Reservoir and graduated from Northfield High School. She then moved to Fort Wayne and attended Parkview Nursing School. Later in life, she achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from St. Francis.

Elaine dedicated 40 years of her career to Parkview Hospital Randallia, retiring as a Certified Orthopedic Nurse. She was a member of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON) and started with the first orthopedic surgeons in Fort Wayne. A respected colleague described her as thorough, caring, efficient, confident, and knowledgeable, noting that if there was ever a question about procedures, Elaine was the go-to person. She often served as the charge nurse.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Basil and Marjorie Ford and two of her brothers Steve and Brian. She grew up with three brothers, Steve (Deb) Ford, Keith (Pam ) Ford, and Brian (Tilly) Ford, and two sisters, Rhonda( Dan) Carr and Denise (Greg) Sheetz. Elaine was married to Daniel Widdifield for 17 years and was the proud mother of three children: Angela (Ted) Bowser, Gina Widdifield, and Jon (Michelle) Widdifield. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: TJ Bowser (deceased), Justin Widdifield, Dakota Bowser, Teagan Widdifield, Daniel Bowser, Alyssa Widdifield, and Evelyn Widdifield.

Elaine was also very close with the Widdifield family, Kathy and Tom Rinehold, Mary Kay Same, Billy & Marcia Widdifield, and Bill and Angie Widdifield (who preceded her in death) .

Elaine enjoyed watching football, visiting friends, going to church, and volunteering at Erin's House. She cherished spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren's events. Her community involvement included volunteering at St. Joe United Methodist Church and Erin's House.

Elaine's personal legacy is marked by her love for her children and grandchildren. She delighted in having two beautiful granddaughters after having five rowdy grandsons. Known for her passion for Christmas, she loved bringing gag gifts to family gatherings and spreading Christmas cheer.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who assisted in Elaine's care over the past few years; it meant a great deal to them.

Elaine loved and cared deeply for those around her and was excited to have a Christmas in July Celebration of Life planned for the summer. Details of this celebration will be shared later.