Bethel Mae Douma Underhill passed away on January 24, 2024 at Adventist Health Tillamook hospital, surrounded by many family members.
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 grandmother, great great grandmother 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 with TV repair 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 is survived by her 3 children Velda 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 5 Great Great Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Lawrence.
Lawrence and Bethel traveled in their RV with friends 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 April. In lieu of flowers, she requested any donations be made to the local “Hope Chest” – Mailing Address: PO Box 204 Rockaway Beach, Or 97136, 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 season and each 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!!