February 13, 1916 ~ December 30, 2013
Elizabeth, 97, died peacefully on Dec. 30th in Seattle. Born Feb. 13, 1916 to Torger and Isabel Sinness in Minnewauken, ND, Elizabeth graduated from Devils Lake H. S. in 1934 and received a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin in 1938. She married Lloyd Kohl in 1942; they lived in Madison, WI, before relocating to So. Calif. in 1952.
Elizabeth was a public school teacher, master/demonstration teacher, librarian, and Pres. of North Hollywood Rotary Anns and Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club, and officer in the Calif. Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was a playwright, directing children in performing her adaptations of Greek tragedies. She loved reading, playing bridge and working crossword puzzles. Her cooking and baking were renowned, especially her cinnamon rolls! She also loved traveling abroad with her beloved Lloyd. Most important to her was her family. She is survived by her two children Jeanne Kohl-Welles (Alex Welles) and Terry Kohl; her sister Ruth Haugland (John); five grandchildren Randy, Brennan, Terra, Kyle, Devon; and four great-grandchildren Austin, Emma, Madisyn, Finley.
Elizabeth loved visiting the Washington State Legislature where Jeanne is a state senator and Terry is a lobbyist. Frequently Lt. Governor Brad Owen led the Senate in singing happy birthday to her and spoke at her 90th birthday celebration in 2006. She accompanied Terry to many functions and was made an honorary member of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Women’s Legislative Network after having attended many of its annual meetings with Jeanne.
A service will be held Saturday, January 4, 1:30 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 15 Roy St. on Lower Queen Anne, followed by a 3:00 p.m. Remembrance/Reception two blocks away at Bayview Manor, 11 W. Aloha. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Bayview Library, Intergenerational Child Care Center, or Health Center Activities Program.
Newspaper obituaries:
Devil’s Lake Journal