Elizabeth (Liz) Ann Douville
1936-2024
Liz became a guild member in 1979. She was famous for her inkle weaving and often gave presentations to the guild to share her extensive knowledge. Liz was President of the Central Oregon Spinners and Weavers Guild in 1980, 1982 , 2004, and 2005.
She was a Master Gardner and wrote gardening articles for the Bulletin for many years.
Obituary
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.
