Elizabeth Ann Sowders

Elizabeth Ann Whiteaker Sowders was born on October 6, 1941, in Benham, Kentucky, to Charles and Mildred Whiteaker. She passed away on June 5, 2026, and went to be with the Lord in her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, William (Bill/Bud); her parents, Charley and Mildred; and her two brothers, Cheb and Larry. She is survived by her sister, Barbara; her daughters Rondi and Gini and their spouses; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her nieces, nephews, and cousins; two sisters-in-law; and many friends.

Liz married William Ronald Sowders on September 5, 1959. Together they had two daughters, Billi Rondi Gallant and Virginia (Gini) Bryant. She was also the proud grandmother of Amber, Sarah, Andy, Jessica, and Tyler, and the great-grandmother of Rylan, Ace, Kiwi, and Morgan.

Liz had a distinguished 26-year career with Fred Meyer. She began as an hourly employee and advanced to Supervisor and then Quality Manager at the Retail Service Centers in Clackamas and Chehalis. She also helped launch the new center in Chehalis, Washington. She was respected and admired by all who knew her.

Community Service and Church Involvement

After retiring, Liz returned to Milwaukie and became an active member of Wichita Avenue Evangelical Church. She devoted her time to serving others through the church and the broader community.

 She supported and worked with Backpack Buddies, the Summer School Lunch program, the church nursery, and the pantry.

·She also delivered food boxes throughout the year and during the holidays, and visited shut-ins.

·In addition, she volunteered 4 hours a day, 3 days a week at Wichita Center and assisted DHS with its annual school supply drive.

Active Lifestyle

Liz remained energetic and committed to staying active, walking five miles a day for many years.

Personal

Liz was a loving and generous person who deeply valued family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, looked for the good in everyone, and was unwavering in her beliefs and in her love and protection of her family. She was an avid reader who often finished one or two books a day. She especially loved all children, who were naturally drawn to her. She often delighted them with a dollar or two at the mall or grocery store, and babies always held a special place in her heart. Liz was easy to love because love was at the center of who she was.

Liz loved traveling with her sister Barbara, and together they crossed the country several times, sharing many memorable adventures. Her favorite destinations included Yellowstone, The Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg Tennessee, the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, the Badlands, the Four Corners, Route 66, and Route 101 along the West Coast from Washington to Los Angeles. They also traveled east to west on Interstates 90, 84, 80, and 40, took many day trips throughout Oregon, and enjoyed many stays at the Oregon coast. There was one condition: Liz did not like to drive, so Barbara always took the wheel. Those who rode with Liz understood why—they joked that she kept one foot on the gas and one on the brake. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.