Elizabeth J. Pribble

1929-2023

Elizabeth “Liz” Pribble of Tacoma, WA, passed away peacefully at age 93 on 27 March 2023.

Liz was born in Dixon, IL, on 8 October 1929, and was the youngest of four children. Born to Hungarian immigrants, Liz attended Dixon High School, earned a college scholarship to Northern Illinois University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

After graduation, Liz taught high school English in Milledgeville, IL before moving to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue her passion of flying after being hired by TACA International Airlines as a flight attendant. After a move to Riverside, CA, Liz worked for Rohr Aircraft where she met Robert I. Pribble, her future husband. After the birth of their two children, Robert was hired by The Boeing Company, and the family moved to Federal Way, WA. Sadly, Robert died of lung cancer age 49.

After arriving in Washington, Liz resumed her flying career by working as a flight attendant instructor for West Coast Airlines and then joined Northwest Airlines (NWA), ending her 26-year career with NWA as a flight attendant supervisor. Throughout her life, Liz held her Catholic faith close and believed giving back to her community was essential, volunteering for numerous civil, political, and community service organizations and was active in the American Association of University Women.

Liz leaves behind her daughter, Stephanie (Randy) Harrison, son, John (Erin) Pribble, and stepson, Robert Carter; two grandchildren, Megan (Greg) Hnilo and Nicholas Pribble; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Hnilo; two step grandchildren, Tyler Harrison and Robert Spencer (Heather) Harrison; and two step great-grandchildren, Cedar and Robin Harrison. Liz is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and will be missed by all who knew her.

A funeral mass was held on 11 April at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (Federal Way) with a celebration of life immediately following. Interment was at Bonney Watson/Washington Memorial Park (SeaTac). You can leave a message for the family or sign the virtual guestbook located at bonneywatson.com.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul School Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice.