Elizabeth Springer
July 14, 1924 – Nov. 29, 2014

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Elizabeth Evelyn Pfister Springer was born July 14, 1924, in Voci, Okla., the first of two children of Christopher and Artie Missy Pfister.

Her father owned one of the most successful farms in the area, growing many crops and employing farmhands in whose lives and families he took great interest.

A very young Elizabeth was often scolded for following behind the plow pulled by oxen too closely.

She adored her father, who died when she was still a child. Yet her mother was remarkable and provided food and guidance her entire life.

Years later, under the cloud of the Great Depression and devastation of the “Dust Bowl” winds, the extended family moved to California, feather beds and all! Their strength was derived from their strong family bonds. It was much of the story portrayed in The Grapes of Wrath.

Elizabeth attended high school in Tulare. She was an excellent student which led to a life of continued learning and respect of education.

Elizabeth eventually met Jack, beginning a marriage that lasted 68 wonderful years and produced three frisky sons.

After the war the family moved to Eureka, then in 1952, to a ranch in Kelseyville, the town she called home the remainder of her life.

She worked with Jack in all facets, from chasing cattle home that always found the hole in the fence, to producing legal documents in their appraisal and real estate businesses.

Also a homemaker, Elizabeth served as den mother among many other roles, and helped in her sons' classrooms on holidays while taking interest in what they studied.

A source of pride, besides her children, was that she served on the governing board of the Kelseyville School Board as it became unified, passed crucial bonds, and embarked on a master building plan that demolished the old and produced the two beautiful main buildings that still grace the elementary and high schools, while taking an active interest in the lives of all the students that attended them.

She loved the students! Much time and effort was spent on these endeavors by board members, school administrators and community leaders.

Elizabeth spoke with humble pride at what was accomplished, a legacy to all those who had a vision.

She also was an active member of the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church and considered the members her second family.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; son, Stephen; and grandson, Kenneth.

She is survived by sons, Randall (Virginia) and Daniel (Barbara); grandson, Richard (Brenda); granddaughters, Claire and Stephanie; and great-granddaughter, Kimberly – all Springers.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m., a luncheon will be served at the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church followed with a memorial service at 12:30 p.m.

The family prefers donations in her memory to the Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, 5340 Third St., Kelseyville, CA 95451.

Private interment will take place at Kelseyville Cemetery.

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .