Elyse Huettl

Elyse Derva Huettl (née Durkin), age 81, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, in Colleyville, Texas. Born on December 22, 1943, in Waco, Texas, Elyse lived a full and vibrant life marked by dedication to her family, professional excellence, and a deep love for hospitality, gardening, and dogs.

Elyse graduated from Clover Park High School in 1962. She began her college education at Whitworth College before transferring to the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1966. Her passion for language and learning led her to begin her career as an English teacher. After taking time off to raise her children, she transitioned into real estate in the Bellevue, Washington area during the 1970s.

Elyse's most significant professional chapter began when she entered the field of Corporate Relocation. Over more than three decades, she built an impressive career marked by leadership and innovation. She worked at Merrill Lynch Relocation, Prudential Relocation, and several other companies, rising through the ranks to become Vice President at the MI Group, retiring in 2013. Throughout her career, Elyse earned numerous designations and awards and was widely respected for her leadership capabilities and commitment to excellence.

After retiring and relocating to Texas, Elyse became an active member of White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake. She found joy and community within her Faithbuilder's Sunday School class, participating enthusiastically in activities such as Bridge, Canasta, Samba, and many other social gatherings.

Elyse was known for her legendary dinner parties-meticulously planned events where she showcased her culinary talents. She delighted in testing new recipes on her family before presenting them to guests and took great care in setting a beautiful table that reflected her warmth and attention to detail. Her love of cooking was matched by her passion for gardening. With an extraordinary green thumb, Elyse cultivated lush gardens regardless of space constraints. Her ever-changing landscape of blooms and hanging baskets brought joy to neighbors and visitors alike.

A lifelong dog lover, Elyse had a special bond with animals. In the 1970s and 1980s, she bred and showed Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers. Later in life, she welcomed mixed-breed dogs into her home and eventually became a beloved dog-sitter after retirement. Known affectionately as a "dog whisperer," Elyse had a unique ability to connect with small dogs and provided them with loving care.

Above all else, Elyse cherished time spent with her family. She is survived by her daughter Karen Michelle Pratt and husband Stephen Earl Pratt; their children Ryan and Emma Pratt; her son David Mills Koopmans and wife Randi Henson Koopmans; their children Kyle and Ryan Koopmans; and her sister Charlane Houseman and husband Richard Houseman; along with their children Laura Carter, Richard Houseman, Gary Houseman, and their families. Elyse is also survived by her first ex-husband, Richard J. Koopmans.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adelaide Boymann Garver and Charles Durkin, and her second husband, LuVerne J. Huettl (divorced in 1992).

Elyse's legacy is one of grace, generosity, creativity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched-with every shared recipe, blooming flowerbed, wagging tail, or joyful gathering around a beautifully set table.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.