Ellen Lee Bridges-Wiley's Obituary
Ellen Lee (Darland) Bridges-Wiley
Ellen was Born February 11, 1938 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Edward Darland and Ica Fern (Lemonds) Darland. She went home to be with Our Lord on October 8, 2025 at home in Escondido, Ca. She moved to California at early age in the early 1940s. She grew up in the Linda Vista area along with her Brother William Darland. Ellen graduated from Kearney High School in 1956. She married her High School Sweetheart Don Bridges on October 13, 1956. They welcomed a son Stephen Bridges in 1959 and a daughter Karen (Bridges) Zumbro in 1961. She went to work for Handyman in the 1960s as a cashier and worked her way up to merchandise manager. In the late 1970s she went to Boise Cascade as a store merchandise manager and worked her way up to Regional Merchandise Manager. She married Chester Wiley on December 30, 1990. In 1991, they moved to Payson, Arizona where she worked for Boise Cascade and enjoyed the outdoors and playing games with her Brother Bill and best friend and sister-in-law Sylvia Darland. Chester proceeded her in death in 2001. She moved East in 2003, living in Virginia Beach and Moyock, NC areas. Out East, she worked for JC Penny’s and enjoyed her Family. Mom, Grandma, Gigi loved to spend time with her family camping, playing games, bowling, golfing, fishing and any activity that brought us together. She always spoiled all of her family especially her grandkids by fixing our favorites and making all of us feel special. She loved watching the Padres baseball games and Ohio State Football. She is survived by Her Son Stephen Bridges, Wife Heidi, Granddaughter Lacey (Troy), Great Granddaughter Lyla, Great Grandson Ty, Grandson Nathan (Krysti), Great Grandson Ryan, Grandson Jonathan (Marissa) Great Grandson Brody. Her Daughter Karen Zumbro and Husband Jerry, Granddaughter Gennifer Zumbro (Ken Patterson), her favorite Great Grandson Lance Neidermeyer, Granddaughter Loryana Wozniel (Justin), Great Grandson Liam, and Great Granddaughter Lennon. And many nieces and nephews whom she loved a lot. She was a great Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Wife, Aunt and friend. She was Loved and will be missed. We would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and Ms. Bea with Angels Caregiving for their great care for our Mom.
What’s your fondest memory of Ellen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ellen?
Share a story where Ellen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ellen you’ll never forget.
How did Ellen make you smile?

