Elda Mae (Widener) Lyon

Elda Mae (Widener) Lyon, 84, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at Sunporch of Smith County, Smith Center.

She was born on September 4, 1940, in rural Phillips County, the daughter of Esbon and Gertrude (Wehrli) Widener. Elda grew up on a farm north of Gretna, KS. She graduated from the 8th grade in Phillipsburg in May 1955. She and her family moved to Gaylord shortly after.

Elda married Robert “Bob” James in 1956 in Gaylord. From this union, three sons, Sam, Danny, and Tom, were born. Elda was baptized on August 27, 1971, at the United Church of Kensington. On August 28, 1971, she married Loren Lyon in Kensington. From this union, a son, Matt, was born.

Elda enjoyed her lifelong residency in Kensington. Elda learned early in life that her calling was to serve others. She obtained her CNA and CMA and enjoyed working at the Phillipsburg Hospital, Prairie Haven in Kensington, and Phillips County Retirement Center. Elda and Loren then opened L&E Café in Kirwin, KS, and ran this business for 15 years, selling it in 2012.  While the café was open, Elda could always be found in the kitchen making coconut cream, chocolate, peanut butter pies, fried chicken, or anything else on the menu. When her boys went in to eat, she often put them to work in the kitchen, washing dishes, or serving food.

Elda loved listening to Loren play his guitar, and in their younger years, they enjoyed going dancing as much as they could; they frequently took the boys with them. Elda loved baking and cooking at home as well, and she was always humming a tune. Elda also loved bossing Loren around. Elda was the frequent recipient of Loren’s onery streaks, but she always got her revenge. Elda had a fiery side to her, which always brought out Loren’s slight head turn and a sly smile. They, indeed, were a match made in heaven. Elda loved her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. When her grandchildren were younger, she planned elaborate holiday celebrations such as hiding Easter eggs throughout the yard and house, followed by large meals for the family to enjoy.

Elda is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Roy Widener, two sisters, Donna Campbell and Maxine Hensley-Duncan, her husband, and a son, Danny James.

She is survived by three sons, Sam (Lana) James of Blue Hill, Neb., Tom (Lisa) James of Athol, and Matt (Shawna) Lyon of Hays; one brother, Don Widener of Colorado; two half-brothers, Harold Widener of Salina and Junior Widener of Stockton; and a half-sister, Shirley Widener-Lewis of Florida; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Elda’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, with Pastor Chris Baker officiating; a luncheon will follow. Inurnment will take place at the Belmont Cemetery, Speed. Afterward, a dessert reception will be held at the Speed Community Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sunporch of Smith County in Smith Center and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.  www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com