Willodean (Roberts) Rusher, 83, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on November 7, 2023 at her home in Sidney.

Willodean grew up in Kentucky and later lived in Urbana, St. Joseph, and Sidney, IL.  She married Bud B. Rusher on May 5, 1958.  They were married for 43 years until she was widowed in 2001.  She spent the remaining 20 years of her life with her partner Elba Shelby of Sidney.

She was a stay at home mom and provider while raising her children.  She retired from Collegiate Cap and Gown in 2000.

She is survived by her five children, Kim Litchfield, Rod (Donna) Rusher, Vicki Rusher, Peggy (Matthew) Staske, and Gregory Rusher, 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, her partner, Elba Shelby, her sister, Judy DeLong and brother, Terry Roberts.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, three brothers, and a great-grandchild.

A very special thanks to the Carle Hospice team who took great care of mother.  She will be deeply missed by who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.

Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.