Ella Anna Heidemann, 97, of Decatur, Ill., died March 20 at Fair Havens Christian Home, Decatur, Ill. Ella was born Nov. 29, 1915, in Tampa to John and Helena (Ottensmeier) Backhus.

She married Arthur Frederick Heidemann on Nov. 9, 1941, in Tampa. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and five brothers.

She is survived byfour children, Ellen Hill of Algonquin, Ill., Albert Heidemann of Aurora, Ill., and Jenette Heidemann and Dewayne Heidemann, both of Decatur; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alma Meyer and Frieda Bentz, both of Tampa; and three brothers, Harry Backhus of Leavenworth, John Backhus of Enterprise, and Wilbert Backhus of Tampa.

Funeral services were March 25 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation was before the service. Burial was in Lutheran Cemetery, Decatur.

A memorial fund has been established for St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tampa.