Elizabeth Ann Sodersten

Elizabeth Anne Sodersten of Visalia, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 12, 2023, at the age of 88. She was born on May 21, 1934 in Highland, Kansas. She was the only daughter of Paul and Bernice Rich of Visalia. She graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1952 and later attended College of Sequoias, majoring in home economics. After graduating from high school, she was employed by the Olive Plant as a bookkeeper/secretary, keeping proficient records. Then she met and married her favorite NY Giants baseball player, Gene Sodersten, the love of her life. After they started their family, they moved up to Lake Tahoe, where Gene became Building Commissioner. Elizabeth was a master of all her many endeavors in life. As a married couple, Gene and Elizabeth started acting in little theaters; performing in various dramas together on stage. She was a stunning actress, with a beautiful singing voice and could dance like a gifted ballerina. Also instrumentally talented in playing the piano and guitar. She also bowled league with her husband and won quite a few high score bowling trophies along the way. When she finally settled in Visalia with her husband and 2 children, her life began to flourish. A fun-loving mother that enjoyed traveling to the beach and mountains with her family. So very involved in caring for her childrens welfare and education each step of the way. She became an accomplished oil painter, that painted still life and beautiful floral arrangements. She taught many children in her neighborhood how to paint and follow their artistic dreams. Also, her creativity included poetry, and although she never published her work, she would have made an excellent writer. She was so creative with her hands. She sewed clothes for herself and family and knitted beautiful sweaters and afghan blankets for her friends. She was artistically skilled in making unique pottery for her home and family. She was involved in the Top-Of-The-Line Show for 10 years, winning the Soroptimist Award for making quality arts and crafts. Elizabeth was an accomplished gourmet cook, that demonstrated cooking techniques in classes at C.O.S. If she owned a restaurant here, they would have knocked down her door to taste her delicious meals. She was also president of the Garden Club, growing prize winning African Violets, she had quite a green thumb. She was the Manager/Activities Director of Villa Del Rey Retirement. The older people she supervised loved her vivacious personality. She made life at the retirement home so uplifting and entertaining for them. In her spare time she loved watching the NY Yankees baseball games, because the ballplayers were all "clean cut." She was a spiritually phenomenal woman with an undying faith in Christ. Her entire life here on earth was dedicated to walking with God. Elizabeth would tell you her most rewarding accomplishments in life were saving souls for Jesus Christ. She became a head Deaconess in the First Baptist Church on Sowell. As a leader and guest speaker for the Visalia Christian Women's Ministries, she was a profound biblical teacher for many womens home bible studies and spiritually counseled countless families here in Visalia. Her prayer chains over the years produced such profound spiritual fruit. She obviously had a direct line to her Father in heaven. Elizabeth was known as, "The Prayer Warrior of Visalia." Even though she endured many trials and tribulations throughout her life, she stood firm in her faith until she took her last breath here on earth. She had the most forgiving and loving heart of any woman ever known. Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Bernice Rich and her son, Mark. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gene of 68 years, her daughter, Jill Wheaton and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Elizabeth will be deeply missed by her family; she is irreplaceable. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Open Arms House, Visalia, Ca. Visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Prayer Service will follow from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Elizabeth Ann Sodersten

May 21, 1934 - April 12, 2023