Thelma Rodriguez-Widner

Thelma Rodriguez Widner, 79, formerly of Decatur, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 at Miller’s Assisted Living in Dowagiac. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Rev. James Tippin officiating and assisting her grandson, Pastor Scott Wiles. Burial will follow at Crane Cemetery in Volinia.  Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Grace Hospice of Portage or Wounded Warriors.  Those wishing to sign Thelma’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Thelma was born January 21, 1937 in Branch, Michigan to Stuart & Ilo (Fackler) Hagar. Thelma was a prime example of a Proverbs 31 woman witnessed through her compassion and caring she had not only for her family but for friends as well. She always kept a positive attitude no matter what her circumstances may have been. She enjoyed singing and spending time with her family and friends.  She cherished the 31 years spent with her husband Ilartio “Eddie” Rodriguez.  Thelma is survived by her children- Lori (Brian) McConnell, Elizabeth (Ray) Rodriguez, Ron (Judy) Rodriguez, Jim (Nancy) Rodriguez, Marie (Chester) Davis, Debra (Dan) Schoetzow, Ruth (Tom) Nash, Mary (Robert) Vanloo, Richard (Debra) Rodriguez, Evan (Jan) Rodriguez, Shirley Burnham, Johnny (Tokoyo) Rodriguez, Carlotta, Carol and Nancy Ellsworth (Daughter-In-Law); 53 grandchildren;  56 greatgrandchildren; three sisters-Ila Aurand, Kay Mayo & Pat Clark; and numerous nieces & nephews. If anyone was excluded we do apologize.   She was preceded in death by her husbands-Eddie Rodriguez, Oscar Smith & Al Widner, children Cathy, Patty, Barbara, Freddy, Ben, Basil, Edder (Benny), and David. Siblings-Ruth Campbell, Glenadine Chandler, Merrill Hagar, Erma Parr & Lawrence Hagar.