Elizabeth Willoughby

Elizabeth Louise Willoughby, a loving, thoughtful, and creative woman who cherished her family and friends, peacefully passed away on April 3, 2023, in Buffalo, Wyoming. A Mass of Christian Burial for Elizabeth will be celebrated Friday, April 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Buffalo, with Father Phil Wagner as Celebrant. A Vigil service will be held, and the Rosary recited on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Harness Funeral Chapel in Buffalo. Visitation will be at the Harness Funeral Chapel on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorial Donations in Elizabeth’s name may be sent to: Missionary Society of Saint Columban (https://columban.org/donate) or Boys Town, Nebraska (https://www.boystown.org). Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Louise Willoughby was born on March 31, 1935, in Burns, Wyoming, to Perry and Florence Farris. She moved with her family to Carpenter, Wyoming where Elizabeth grew up and went to school. In the spring of 1953, Elizabeth graduated from Carpenter High School. Her education laid the foundation for a life filled with curiosity, learning, and an appreciation for family.

On September 4, 1953, Elizabeth married the love of her life, Robert in Pine Bluffs and they made their home in Cheyenne. Elizabeth followed her husband’s career and raised her daughters while living in Medicine Bow, Sundance, and Gillette Wyoming. In 1970, they moved to Windsor, Colorado where she worked as a CNA in Mental Health Services. In 1989, they moved to Buffalo, and she enjoyed her leisure time by tending to her beautiful garden beds, which were a testament to her patience and dedication. Elizabeth was an active member of her community, generously donating her time and talents to various organizations and causes.

Elizabeth’s thoughtfulness was evident in her relationships with family and friends. She had a keen ability to make others feel valued and appreciated, often through small gestures that brightened their days. Her generosity and kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Elizabeth was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Betsy Willoughby of Medicine Bow, Wyoming, and Brenda Willoughby of Buffalo, Wyoming. Her love and support were unwavering, and her guidance was instrumental in helping her daughters become the remarkable women they are today. Elizabeth’s nurturing spirit extended to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom felt the warmth of her embrace and the depth of her love.

Her three grandchildren, Charity Beck of Gillette, Wyoming, Karla Bernal and her husband Sergio of Fredrick, Colorado, and Garth Nicholas of Buffalo, Wyoming, were a constant source of joy and pride for Elizabeth. She took great pleasure in watching them grow, learn, and achieve their goals. Her seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren were equally cherished and brought immense happiness to her life.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, an infant daughter Elizabeth, three sisters, Mary, Ruth, and Marion, and her brother James. As we mourn the loss of Elizabeth Louise Willoughby, we also celebrate her life and the countless ways she touched our hearts. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished forever.