Elizabeth Ann Waple

Elizabeth Ann Waple, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on April 3, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Elizabeth was known as "Buff" or "Buffy" to her friends and family, and "Izzie" by her grandchildren.

Buff was the eldest of eleven children born to Mary Joy and Harold Van Hout. She is survived by eight of her siblings: Gretchen O'Brien, Hank Van Hout, Mary Ellen Sandbank, Michael Van Hout, Brooks Koff, Anna Naylor, Maggie Maston, and Laura Tyler. She was preceded in death by her siblings Billy Van Hout and Janet Van Hout.

Buff considered Fayetteville, North Carolina home, where she raised her four children: Louis Waple, Mary Waple, Joseph Waple, and William Waple. She is survived by three grandchildren: Emma Hinson Waple, Nelson Waple, and Ruth Waple.

A dedicated healthcare professional, Buff started her nursing career as an Army nurse and later served many years as an intensive care nurse within the VA hospitals of both Durham and Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Buff enjoyed her escape to the beach, searching for megalodon shark teeth, other fossils and obscure flotsam that found their way to the shore of Kure Beach. A close second for her affection were her Labs Julius, Pearl, Nesta, and Boo, most of whom she adopted along the way.

Buff shared her love of music with her family. The 'golden oldies' were always in fashion, but her eclectic tastes traveled from classic Patsy Cline ballads, Bob Dylan in his 'rebellious' rock days, bouncing Talking Heads tunes, followed by a brooding Leonard Cohen.

A family memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later time.