Elizabeth Jean (Stephens) (Griffith) Rodenberger passed from this earth to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on May 24, 2014.

She leaves behind four sons, John Griffith, Michael Griffith, David Griffith, and Charles Griffith; six step-sons and daughters, Harold Rodenberger, Harry Rodenberger, Keith Rodenberger, Retha McAfee, Sue Westman and Darla Reardon; three nieces, Linda LaCroix, Cheryl Palmer and Robbie Douglas; seven (Griffith) and 19 (Rodenberger) grandchildren; nine (Griffith) and 39 (Rodenberger) great-grandchildren, and 16 (Rodenberger) great-great-grandchildren all of whom loved her very much.

She was born on May 17, 1924, in Alamosa, Colo., the youngest of three sisters. Her family moved to Denver, and Elizabeth graduated from East High School in 1942.

She then attended the University of Colorado in Boulder where she met her first husband, John Spencer Griffith, whom she married in 1947. She served in the U.S. Coast Guard toward the end of WWII. Following her divorce in 1960, she attended the University of Denver and received a teaching certificate, and she was a teacher for Denver Public Schools for many years.

In 1970, Elizabeth moved herself and her two youngest sons from Denver to Orcas Island, Wash. There she met her second husband, George Rodenberger, and they were married in 1973. They built a house together and had many happy years on Orcas Island before moving to Bellingham, Wash. in 1989.

George passed away in 1992. Elizabeth continued to live in Bellingham near her family until 2004, then moved to Litchfield Park, Ariz., to live with her youngest son Charles in her last years. Through her life and to her last day, she touched the hearts and souls of many people because of her spirit and loving nature.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18 at the Northwest Baptist Church, 3545 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, Wash. Her Graveside Committal will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19 at Olga Cemetery.

You may sign the memorial guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Services are under Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Lynden.