In Loving Memory

Elizabeth Ruth Williams Huffman

Elizabeth Ruth Williams Huffman was born in Bloomington, Illinois on January 19, 1929, to Walter and Edna (Silknitter) Williams. Elizabeth's father was a Methodist minister who served in various churches in southern Illinois, and Elizabeth attended elementary and junior high schools in Edwardsville, Murphysboro, Kinmundy, and Morrisonville. Her family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she attended Tucson High School, and graduated in 1947. While attending Tucson First Church of the Nazarene, she met her future husband, William Wyland Huffman, who had just returned from serving in the Navy during WW II. She enrolled in Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Phoenix, graduating in 1950 as a Registered Nurse. She and Wyland married in September 1950, beginning a loving marriage that would last over 70 years.

They moved to Atlanta GA, where Elizabeth worked in the Emory University hospital while Wyland completed seminary there. He subsequently rejoined the Navy as a chaplain, and Elizabeth and Wyland embarked on a life of adventure, travel, and ministry, which took them to San Diego, San Clemente and Santa Ana CA, Newport RI, Norfolk VA, Guam, Chicago IL, Fallon NV, and Sigonella, Italy.

Along the way they had three children, Frederick, Kathleen, and Laurie. The family fully embraced Navy life, taking full advantage of living in many unique places, camping all over Europe and the US, and seeing and doing everything they possibly could wherever they lived. Having grown up in a minister's home, Elizabeth was uniquely prepared to be of great support to Wyland's work as a chaplain, as she played the piano or organ for services, directed adult and children's choirs, oversaw vacation Bible school and Sunday School, implemented women's ministries, and assisted in any way that was needed. As a team, Elizabeth and Wyland were remarkably effective in communicating God's love to every man, woman, and child they met at whatever base they were serving. While Wyland was deployed on ships, Elizabeth kept things running smoothly stateside with the family. Along the way in various locations where they lived, she also worked as a Registered Nurse in hospital emergency rooms and pediatric settings, as well as clinics.

When Wyland retired after a full career as a Navy chaplain, Elizabeth and Wyland continued to serve in their local civilian churches, with music, Bible studies, and pastoral support. They moved to Nampa ID in 1977, and volunteered at the Idaho Veterans' Home, where Elizabeth played the piano for Sunday services. During their retirement years, she and Wyland once again enjoyed the adventures of traveling all over the United States and Europe. Elizabeth was a wonderful cook, a prolific quilt maker, and a skilled gardener of flowers & all things edible. As their children married and grandchildren came along, Elizabeth and Wyland eventually moved to Chattaroy WA in 1999, and then on to Colville WA in 2002 to be close to them. Elizabeth cherished her role as a grandmother, baking wonderful treats, watching football with them, and teaching them about God's love. She loved them dearly, and they greatly loved her back.

Elizabeth was an accomplished classically trained pianist and organist whose musical talents included teaching piano/organ, directing choirs, and playing virtually any style of music for any occasion. Although she was an exceptionally skilled musician, she was also extremely humble; in a desire to allow others to serve, she would often give up her spot for someone else to play if they so desired. Her focus was NOT to be in the spotlight herself, but to bring glory to God.

Elizabeth and Wyland demonstrated what a loving and enduring marriage should be, by following God's leading in every aspect of life, putting each other's needs first, and speaking kindly to one another. Elizabeth was a tender-hearted woman whose gentle spirit had a soothing effect on everyone around her…grandchildren, strangers, friends, co-workers, her patients, and her children. She was a patient and wise mother, raising each of her children with unwavering knowledge of God's love and of her love. She had a reputation among her family and friends of being a tremendous prayer warrior. Her Christ-like qualities will continue to be a force in the lives of her family.

She is survived by her son Frederick (Frances) Huffman of Colville WA, and daughter Kathleen (Douglas) Jones of Chattaroy WA, son-in-law Rick Hanson, grandchildren Rosalee Rose of Colville WA, Christina Huffman of Post Falls ID, Felicity Helt of Texas, Melissa Huffman of southern CA, Nathan Hanson of Auburn WA, William Hanson of Colville WA, Alex Hanson of Bellingham WA, Joshua Jones of Colville WA, Karen Jones Bryant of Hallsville TX, and twenty-six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William Wyland Huffman, daughter Laurie Huffman Hanson, parents Walter and Edna Williams, sister Alice Williams Smith, and grandson Jacob Francis Jones.

The funeral services for Elizabeth will begin with a period of visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, WA.  A celebration of her life will be on December 27th at 11:00 am at the Colville Church of the Nazarene, located at 368 E. Astor St., Colville WA. Interment will follow at Mountain View Park Cemetery, Colville, WA.  Please visit the online Memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory have been entrusted with Elizabeth's care.