Lodena Louise Tidwell: 1931-2026

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Lodena Louise Tidwell
1931 – 2026

Lodena Louise Tidwell passed away on May 31, 2026. Her passing was peaceful, having been surrounded by family who played her Christian music and read her scriptures. She was born in 1931 in Arcata, CA. She was raised in Arcata, where she graduated from Arcata High School.

She met her husband Boyd Clint Tidwell while working as an usherette at the Arcata Theatre. They married in 1949 and went on to have three children together. They remained married until Boyd’s passing in 2011.

Lodena lived an abundant life. She was a lifetime member of the Arcata First Baptist Church and lived a spiritual life until the day she passed. She was a stay-at-home mother to her children and a wonderful hostess. Many family gatherings and holidays were spent surrounding her table. She enjoyed spending time in Willow Creek with her family during the summers, but you would never catch her in the water herself. She spent much of her time travelling on road trips and spent many summers in Arizona with her friends.

Lodena was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Tidwell; her son, Michael Tidwell (Philla); her brother, Vinal Pack (Neomi); son in law, Glenn Ellis; and great-grandson, Christopher Ellis.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Ellis; her daughter, Sharon Harpe; her grandchildren, Clinton Ellis-Gilmore (Bill), Mitchell Ellis (Kerri), Melissa Tidwell (Michael), Jennifer Kennedy (Tatnall), Jacob Harpe, Jared Harpe, Tyler Harpe (Lisa), and Travis Harpe; special grandchild, Trixie; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even a great-great-grandchild on the way.

At the request of Lodena, no services will be held.