Elizabeth Ann Gaas

Elizabeth Ann Gaas of Prairie Hill, Texas, passed away at her home on August 12, 2024. She was born on January 27th, 1954 in Bay City, Texas. The family will have a private burial in Prairie Hill, Texas followed by a Celebration of her life 1pm, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway with a time of reception after the service.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Murphy Whiddon; her parents, Betty and Frank Gaas, and a brother, Paul Alan Gaas. She leaves behind her beloved family and a host of friends to celebrate her sharp wit, prodigious intellect, and quirky collections that showcased her interest in anything and everything on the planet. 

Elizabeth was a voracious reader from a young age. She was a National Merit Finalist at Bay City High School and went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Psychology. While working toward her Ph.D., Liz was an Associate Professor of Psychology at UT Arlington. She also attended Southwestern Medical School. Earlier in life Liz held a wide variety of jobs and took pride in being self-reliant and fiercely independent. 

A natural scholar, Liz was adept at arguing for the sake of seeking truth, using knowledge from her background and medical and government work. While her background was theoretical, her applied knowledge was astonishing in understanding human nature. 

Elizabeth had a wide circle of friends and often traveled the continental US in a sketchy vehicle equipped with enough food and survival gear to handle any coming zombie apocalypse. After marriage to Michael, Liz enjoyed finding unique ‘boutique’ motels in small Texas towns off the beaten path, attending strange festivals celebrating minor events, and seeking out weird monuments commemorating local lore. She owned an antique store in Groesbeck, TX with an emphasis on vintage jewelry and gemstones. Elizabeth and Michael loved small town living and enjoyed their close knit community in Prairie Hill. 

No Gaas Christmas Day was complete without Elizabeth blowing in the front door like a holiday typhoon with wrapped boxes and the history behind every gift. She was a combination of practical and fanciful, one of a kind. 

She leaves behind three brothers to grieve her passing: Richard (Lyn), Patrick (Carol), and Christopher (Annette), as well as a host of nieces and nephews that were fascinated by their vibrant Auntie Liz, and extended family. 

As a woman who valued her family and friends above all else, Elizabeth will be remembered and missed deeply by those who knew her.

Donations can be made in Elizabeth’s honor to Prairie Hill Baptist Church, 5152 FM 339, Prairie Hill, Tx 76678.