Annie Ruth Ellisor Widner entered into heaven on June 19, 2026, in Huntsville, Texas.

Annie was born on February 18, 1935, in Phelps. She lived a long and meaningful life devoted to her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Rudolf H. Widner; her parents, Mathew Raynor Ellisor and Ethel Thompson Ellisor; her brothers, Calvin Ellisor, Edgar Ray Ellisor, Earl Ellisor, and Curtis Ellisor; and her sisters, Ruby Yeager, Maud Davis, Elva Ellisor, Ethel Mae Widner, Catherine "Tiny" Smith, Mary Alice Merkel, and Pat Cannalito.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Rudolf "Buddy" Widner, Jr. and wife Michael; daughter, Patricia Widner Otteson; her granddaughters, Trisha Grisham McCaffety and husband Jason, Tiffany Rae Grisham, Shellee Widner Adkins, Stephenie Widner, and Sandee Widner Harding and husband Sean; and her great-grandchildren, Ashley and Austin McCaffety, Isabella and Tommy Grisham, Shelbee Adkins, Maysie Marti, Colten Harding, and Sayler Harding. She is also survived by her great-great-grandson, Brooks McCaffety, and her sisters, Esther Davis and Helen Nelson.

As a young girl, Annie developed a love for reading that stayed with her throughout her life. She especially enjoyed romance novels and westerns. It was while baling hay that she met the love of her life, Rudolf Widner, and together they built a life centered on family and hard work, operating Widner & Sons Wrecker for 42 years. Annie and Rudolf shared a passion for stock car racing, and Annie proudly drove a car she named Midnight. Later in life, she worked for Huntsville ISD, where she especially enjoyed her time as a school bus driver.

In her free time, Annie was often found at the Elks Lodge, where she dedicated many years of service as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She had a love for bowling, playing bingo, and trying her luck on the "one-arm bandits."

Annie was a lifetime member of the Walker County Fair Association, where she and Rudolf were part of the Wrecker Crew BBQ Cook-Off Team, earning the opportunity to compete at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She cherished time spent riding and being with family and had proudly participated in the Widner Trail Ride for the past 14 years without missing a year.

Anyone who visited Annie's home could clearly see where her heart truly was—with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, as well as her beloved hummingbirds. Her favorite color, purple, was beautifully displayed throughout her home, reflecting the warmth and vibrancy she brought to those around her.

She was known and loved as "Granny" by so many, a name that reflected the warmth, kindness, and love she shared with all. Her life, filled with cherished memories and deep family bonds, will be celebrated for many years to come.

Services will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Lunch will be served at 12:30pm at Brooke Cemetery followed by a graveside service at 2:00PM.