Bethel Mae Douma Underhill passed away on January 24, 2024 at Adventist Health Tillamook hospital.
Bethel was born in 1928, in Tillamook, Oregon to Jake and Elmira (Edwards) Douma. They moved to Wheeler when Bethel was two months old. She attended Wheeler Grade School and High School. She attended the University of Oregon for a short time before returning home to work in her parents’ grocery store, Douma’s Market. She met the love of her life, Lawrence, when she was just 18, and they were married in 1947.
Bethel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great and great great grandmother, aunt and friend. She had a Christian heart, and was strong, kind, caring and compassionate to each and every one she met, knew and befriended. She truly made a difference, and her legacy will be that of treating everyone with kindness and caring; always there to help with what needed to be done. She will live in our hearts and memories always.
Bethel loved to take in God’s beauty through travel, watching Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain, Rock Mountain, the elk, deer, birds, cattle, trees and events that occurred outside of her home picture window. She considered family, friends, visits, phone calls, trips and connections always a gift. She knew where those gifts came from; and was Thankful and Treasured each one. She loved to hear about how everyone was doing; and she always said, “If you see anyone I know, please tell them Hello for me!”
Bethel worked side by side as a partner with husband Lawrence initially he started up a TV repair business as an interest, while he was also a timber faller. Later moving with their 3 children from Foss Road to Underhill Lane in Nehalem. They built and owned Underhill TV Cable System which served the Manzanita, Nehalem and Wheeler area until they sold the system in 1986. They owned and managed Underhill Plaza in Manzanita for several decades; as grocery store, business shops, rental space, etc.
Bethel was preceded in death by husband Lawrence in 2005.
She is survived by her 3 children Velda (John) Handler of Nehalem, Lynn Underhill of Tualatin, and D.W. Underhill of Bethany; 4 grandchildren, Chad Handler, Elkie Underhill, Bekah (Jim) Barnett, Jason Underhill, 11 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Lawrence and Bethel traveled with an RV group, friends and family for several years, and enjoyed their adventures. Lawrence passed away in 2005 after 58 years of marriage. Bethel volunteered at the Hope Chest Thrift Shop, where she worked until 2015. She donated 100+ hand knitted and crocheted Afghans to Adventist Health Hospital in Tillamook for the “Cover Me with Care” End of Life program for 25+ years.
Bethel was a member of Manzanita Calvary Bible Church, and she loved her church family. She was a wonderful cook, and made amazing pies, cookies, and all….
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday April 13, 2024 at 1 pm @ Calvary Bible Church – 560 Laneda Avenue, Manzanita Or 97130.
If you would like to honor Bethel with a gift in her memory, she would appreciate your support of the following: Hope Chest Thrift Shop (Nehalem) PO Box 204 Rockaway Beach, Or. 97136, or Calvary Bible Church ~ PO Box 308 Manzanita, Or. 97130, or another Charity of Your Choice.
She was a true pioneer, loved this Nehalem Bay area and the rich beauty that is here with each and every day!
She loves our Heavenly Father, and we know she is at eternal Peace in her Forever Home in Glory.
Sharing a favorite verse: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Thank You all, also, for making a difference in her life!!
