CAUDILL, Elizabeth Ann

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Elizabeth Ann Caudill, of Palm Coast, Fla., passed away at Florida Hospital Oceanside in Ormond Beach, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. Ann was born at home in Rockwell, N.C., April 30, 1933, the youngest of five siblings. Ann was married to John Thomas Caudill in August 1948. From 1950 to 1964, Ann lived in North Carolina and Florida, where she gave birth to seven children, six sons and one daughter. Ann and her family moved to Virginia in 1964. Ann will always be remembered as a devoted homemaker and mother to her children and husband. During her time in Virginia, Ann was tireless in her support of her children as the consummate “Soccer Mom.” Because of her kids’ love for sports, she became a No. 1 Redskins fan to enjoy and share the things they loved with them. In the neighborhood, her house was the one where the kids congregated; and parents always knew their children were safe when Ann was watching over. In her last years in Virginia, Ann worked for Everhart Jewelers and sought to become a certified gemologist. Ann retired to Florida in 1980 and lived there until moving out West to Palm Springs, Calif., in 1997, and on to Lake Havasu City in 1999. Ann lived in Lake Havasu City from 1999 until 2005, when she returned to Florida to live out her life with her daughter, Vickie. Ann completed her high school and college education training in Florida. She was an avid lover of birds and could be found most mornings sitting by the window watching for her favorite cardinals and enjoying a “hot” cup of coffee. A woman steadfast in her faith and belief in God and Jesus Christ, she was always the first to pray for a friend or family member in need. She was selfless throughout her life, always the first to give all she had to friends, family and charity. Ann overcame many medical struggles in her life that would have kept many down. She did it with her spirit, her determination and always with a beautiful smile on her face. She was truly an inspiration to that “never give up” attitude. Tough as they come, but soft and loving through and through, everyone she met simply “loved” Mom. It’s no wonder we all became instant friends. She will be sincerely missed by her many friends and family members, who cared dearly for her. A memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life will be held Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Celebration Christian Church, 1011 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. In lieu of flowers and other remembrances, the family suggests that donations be made to the National Audubon Society. Ann was preceded in passing by her daughter, Vickie; and her brothers, Craig & LT. Ann is survived by her husband, Tom; six sons and their spouses, Tommy and his wife Karen, Mike and his wife Peggy, Chuck and his wife Dara, Don and his wife Barbara, Joey and his friend Debby, and Brad and his friend Mandy; two sisters and their families, Frances and her husband Frank, and Betty; five grandchildren and their spouses, Sarah and her husband Josh, Ali her fiancé Jesse, Mickey, Emily and Liam; and one great-grandchild, Zoe. Many loving relatives and their families also survive Ann, including aunts, uncles, cousins and the families and friends of her nieces, nephews and in-laws.