Elizabeth Ann Gingrich's Obituary
Elizabeth “Pudd” Gingrich passed away peacefully at home June 22nd, 2018 surrounded by her husband and family. Elizabeth was born on July 22nd 1932 to Alfred and Helen Johnson in Tacoma Washington. She is survived by her husband Lee Gingrich, her children Jane Gingrich (Neil Biermann), Carrie Gingrich, Kenton Gingrich and her granddaughter Laura Caroline Gingrich.
She attended Stadium High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington where was a member and President of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. While she was a student at the university she met her husband Lee of 64 years. Elizabeth and Lee lived in Anchorage Alaska while he served in the Air Force and then moved back to north Tacoma where they raised their family. Elizabeth’s life time was filled with community service. She was a leader, volunteer and advocated for many organizations.
Elizabeth was instrumental in establishing The Hospice of Tacoma and was President of the board for five years. She also helped start The Tacoma Hospice Foundation that provides funding for various Hospice programs. Elizabeth served on the board of Good Will Industries for eight years and was President of the board for two years. Elizabeth was also President of the Board of The Greater Community Foundation, served on the Board of Charles Wright Academy, Chairman of the Trustee and Treasurer of Mason United Methodist Church, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Citizens Advisory Committee, American Leadership Forum, Festival of Trees and the Leukemia Society of American. Elizabeth was an avid golfer where she was a Captain of the 18 hole Ladies Drivers and was the first woman to be elected to the Board of the Tacoma Country and Golf club.
Besides Elizabeth’s busy civic commitments she was also a partner in the Seattle restaurant Ray’s Boathouse for over 40 years where she helped to instill a family atmosphere and core values that made it a wonderful place to work. Elizabeth also represented Omega Seminars, a personal development company. Elizabeth enjoyed many travels with her husband Lee. As a life time fisherwoman they took many trips to Alaska and Canada. Other favorite adventures took them to Africa, Asia, Turkey, Russia, Europe, and rafting the Grand Canyon. When all was said and done, Elizabeth’s favorite place on earth was Sunrise Beach where she relaxed and fished during her entire life time.
Donations of remembrance can be sent to The Hospice of Tacoma, The Greater Community Foundation or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 29th at 2pm at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. All are welcome.
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