Elizabeth Ann McDougal, age 98 passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, James McDougal; son, Douglas McDougal; parents, Roy VanWinkle and Cordia Daggett VanWinkle; brothers, Roy (James) VanWinkle, A.L. VanWinkle, J.D. VanWinkle; and sister, Blanche Verniel VanWinkle McDougal. Elizabeth is survived by her children, Donald (Judy) McDougal of Portage, MI, Sharon (Phillip) Winegardner of Westville, IN, Karen (Michael) Axdorff of Grand Rapids, MI, and daughter-in-law, Dorothy “Dotty” McDougal of Perry Hall, MD; grandchildren, Jennifer (Daniel) Miner of Ypsilanti, MI, Sarah McDougal of Chicago, IL, Kathryn (Viraj Mehta) McDougal of Phoenix, MD, Scott (Leana) McDougal of Lantan, TX, Michelle (Brian) Yurk of Holland, MI, Nicholas (Jessica Hoel) Gutschow of Colorado Springs, CO, Craig (Carli) McDougal of Hortonville, WI, Gwen (Daniel Belov) McDougal of London, UK; great-grandchildren, Rob Miner, Jake Miner, Daphne Mehta, Rosalee Mehta, Barry McDougal, Porter Yurk, Marjorie Yurk, Henry Yurk, Orion Gutschow, Leo Gutschow, Mollie McDougal, Charlotte McDougal, James McDougal, Adeline McDougal, Logan McDougal, Misha Belov, and Sean Belov; as well as many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth attended schools at Oil Trough, Arkansas. She worked at Beatty Memorial Hospital and Westville Correctional Center in Westville, IN for 25 years prior to retirement. She was a member at Bible Baptist Church in New Buffalo, MI. Elizabeth McDougal was an extraordinary woman whose life reflected the very best of the American Dream. Born in rural Arkansas, she grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, faith, and family—values that guided her throughout her life.
She married the love of her life, James Arwood McDougal, just before he left to serve our country in World War II. Immediately following Arwood’s return from WWII she and her husband farmed and began their new family in Arkansas. After several years of farming and working in Arkansas, in 1953, Elizabeth and Arwood moved north to New Buffalo, Michigan, seeking greater opportunity for their young family. Their marriage was rooted in resilience, devotion, and enduring love.
Elizabeth devoted herself fully to her family. She raised four children—Don, Doug, Sharon (Winegardner), and Karen (Axdorff)—while working nights, a testament to her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment as both a mother and a provider. Through every challenge, she embodied strength, love, and faith, serving as a role model not only to her children but to all who knew her.
As her children grew into adulthood and began families of their own, Elizabeth remained the heart of the family. They stayed close, always returning home to spend meaningful time together with their parents. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love, prioritizing family gatherings, traditions, and creating memories above all else. Nothing brought her greater pride than her family – her children, her eight grandchildren, and her seventeen great‑grandchildren, each of whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.
Elizabeth welcomed everyone into her home—neighbors, friends of her children and grandchildren, and anyone in need of a place to belong. She had a rare gift for accepting people exactly as they were, and her warmth made everyone feel like family. Everyone who entered was welcomed by her beautiful southern accent and blessed by her downhome cooking. Her legacy of kindness and selfless love will live on in the hearts of so many.
Elizabeth McDougal leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, devotion, and love as she joins her husband Arwood and son Doug in heaven. Her life was one of quiet heroism—marked by sacrifice, grace, and an unshakable belief in the power of God and family. She will be remembered always for the example she set and the countless lives she has touched.
Services will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at 2pm at Forest Hills Bible Chapel, 4637 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI 49301 with visitation one-hour prior. Interment at 11:00am, Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo, MI. Memorial Contributions may be made to Salvation Army, 1215 E. Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
6 Responses
Aunt Elizabeth was such a beautiful soul. I have so many wonderful memories on times spent with her and Grandma McDougal- two beautiful loving souls. Heaven has another wonderful angel.
I attended Bible Baptist, New Buffalo with her. Such a sweet lady. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Aunt Elizabeth’s passing. She had a beautiful smile that radiated love! Sending prayers of comfort to the family.
Karen, your bond with your mom was so special. The phone calls and the conversations when you were traveling brought her along on your trips with you. Having her in your home with you and Mike along with growing your gardens together, gaming together and cooking or baking a special meal for family, these are moments to treasure. I’m sure she did. I know all of us who were blessed to know her because of you, had the opportunity to be in the presence of someone truly special. She was a gift from God and I for one am thankful for the times that we shared with her. Rest in Peace “Mom” and know we’ll keep an eye on Karen and Mike.
My parents lived next door to the McDougals. I always called her “Lizbeth”. I remember my mom and dad went back to get there GED’s. Lizbeth watched me and my sister weeks so they could finish. I still remember playing in the basement. One day I asked my mom who was the best friend you’ve ever had. No hesitation Lizbeth. She has her wings.
I’m so sorry to hear about Elizabeth’s (we called her Lizzie) passing. I remember when Lynn and I were growing up and Lizzie and Arwood would come to Arkansas on vacation. They never failed to come to Batesville to visit Mom and Dad. They were the kind of people that would give you the shirt off their back. Now they’re together again with their Lord and Savior.
Love and prayers for all the family.