Elizabeth Louise "Memaw; Tootie" Caudill

Elizabeth Louise Caudill, 88, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday, February 20, 2026, just three days shy of her 89 th birthday.

Lovingly known as "Memaw" and "Tootie" to most, Louise and her husband, Richard Caudill, Sr. (a.k.a. "Papaw") created a legacy of love in their 61 years of marriage, having turned a chance meeting at an old honky-tonk into a vast family spanning three generations.

A beloved, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Louise was the physical embodiment of generosity, grace and warmth – the "great encourager", ever-tender shoulder to cry on, and expert listening ear. Having devoted her life to raising each generation, Louise poured herself wholeheartedly into the everyday moments that mattered most, whether it was rocking babies, setting full tables, offering steady prayers, or reminding each of us, in ways both spoken and unspoken, that we were deeply and unconditionally loved. Louise leaves behind more than cherished memories; she leaves a family anchored in faith, kindness, resilience and the enduring example of a life beautifully lived for others.

Louise is survived by her husband, Richard Caudill, Sr.; sister, Melba Jo Young; brother, Darryl (Donna) Lewis; four children, Kerry Robinson, Julie (Paul) Tuveson, Melba Hodge, and Richard (Rebecca) Caudill, II; eight grandchildren, Jenny Johnson, Jessica (Timothy) Goolsby, Jordan (Nathan) Watkins, Emily (Parker) McHaney, Sophie (Braxton) Hancock, Brady (Sha) Hodge, Abigail Caudill and Forrest Caudill; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Hermie Lewis.

While we grieve the loss of our matriarch, we celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the family she so carefully nurtured. Every shared meal, every holiday gathering, every whispered prayer carries her imprint. Louise's legacy is not found in photos or shared memories, but in the way we love one another – fiercely, faithfully, and without condition – just as she did.

Louise's funeral service will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Daphne, AL, on Monday, March 2, 2026. There will be a time of visitation beginning at 10AM followed by the mass at 11AM. Celebrant will be Rev. Matthew O'Connor.
Interment to follow at Belforest Catholic Cemetery.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.