Elizabeth Ann Douville

Published 10:38 am Monday, March 18, 2024

Elizabeth Ann Douville

1936 – 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Elizabeth Ann Douville announces her passing on March 3, 2024 at the age of 87. She was a loving mom and “G-mom” who cherished time spent with her family. She is survived by daughter Celeste Douville (wife Cynthia and son Emerson), son Steve Douville (children Gwyn and Sam, wife Sonia (Lowe) and her children Carly and Devon) and son Brian Douville (wife Stacey (Enneking) and sons Adam (Megan), Eric and Grant) and many great friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Douville, her parents and her 3 siblings.

Liz grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. She married Dick, another Wisconsinite, in 1957. Dick’s work had them living all over the world, but when they visited Tumalo in 1978, they knew that Central Oregon would be their home. After originally living in Tumalo, they moved to Bend in 1986.

Liz was a passionate, joyful (and a bit mischievous) person. No one entered her house without a big smile and an even bigger hug. She loved learning and sharing what she learned with others. It showed in the classes she taught, the sermons she gave, her weaving demonstrations, and, especially, in the gardening articles she wrote for the Bend Bulletin. Her specialty was gardening in Central Oregon’s difficult climate where she researched the best varietals to grow here. She often complained that the big box stores didn’t send the right plants, so she started to grow her own. At her peak, she grew almost 500 tomato plants a year, earning her the nickname “Tomato Lady”. She was actively involved in Central Oregon Master Gardeners, Central Oregon Weaver’s Guild and All Peoples United Church of Christ where she made strong friendships. Her family is extremely thankful for the supportive community that surrounded her.

A celebration of life will be held April 6th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church in Bend with a reception following afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Central Oregon Master Gardeners, All Peoples United Church of Christ or Bethlehem Inn.