Obituary

Elizabeth S. Rectanus
December 11, 1949 - January 8, 2016

Elizabeth S. Rectanus

Elizabeth S. Rectanus
Dec 11, 1949 - Jan 8, 2016

Elizabeth S. Rectanus
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Elizabeth S. Rectanus, 66, of Ames, died peacefully January 8, 2016 at Mary Greeley Medical Center. She is survived by her husband Mark W. Rectanus.
Elizabeth was born December 11, 1949 in Springfield, Massachusetts to Harry and Edna (Spalding) Jones. She earned both the B.S. in Biology (1972) and J.D. in Law (1974) at the University of Mississippi. After completing her J.D., Elizabeth worked for the Legislative Audit Committee, Mississippi State Legislature in Jackson, MS during 1974-1975. She received an M.A. in German (1979) from Mississippi State University and continued graduate studies in German from 1979 to 1981 at Washington University in St. Louis where she met her husband Mark. The couple married in Munich, Germany on December 11, 1981 and moved to Ames in 1984.
Elizabeth worked at Iowa State University as an academic advisor and a lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures for over sixteen years until she retired in 2013. She was a dedicated adviser who assisted numerous students in pursuing minors and majors in world languages. Elizabeth enjoyed teaching German and was passionate about supporting the study of world languages.
In addition to travels to Germany, Elizabeth enjoyed traveling within the U.S., as well as reading and cooking.
A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held by the family at a later date to be determined. Memorial donations may be sent to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at: https://www.aspca.org/secure/memorial
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Lee L'Hote on Feb 5, 2016

CandleMark, I am so sorry for your loss. Elizabeth was such a wonderful person, and I was so sad to hear that she had passed away. She was as equally kind and helpful working with colleagues as she was with students. I know that the impact she had on students' futures is immeasurable, and she touched so many lives of those who passed through Iowa State.

Carolyn (Ryan) Crouse on Jan 30, 2016

CandleElizabeth was one of my closest friends in high school. I am sorry that we had lost touch in the last few years. I will always remember her great personality and fun loving heart. We had many great adventures together, and I will always treasure them. She also was a very private person, and I respected her for that.

Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. The next time I go home to Booneville, MS, I will definitely get together all the ones that knew Liz (as we called her), and we will share memories of her and have a drink in her honor!
Please share my condolences with the entire family.

Aili Mu on Jan 13, 2016

CandleDear Elizabeth, I just want to let you know I miss you. You have given me so much help over the years, especially during the few years before your retired. I am forever grateful for that. I will celebrate your life again when I make it to New Orleans one day. Aili

Nancy T. Guthrie on Jan 13, 2016

CandleElizabeth was very helpful to me when I started working in study abroad at ISU in 2000 and was always looking out for student's best interests until her retirement.

My deepest sympathy, Mark, for your loss!

Susan Spalding Floyd, Louise Spalding Grandadam an on Jan 13, 2016

We are deeply sorry and will miss talking with Elizabeth of the times we spent together when we were growing up, particularly a summer in Booneville. We have made a memorial donation to ASPCA in her honor and fond memory.

Lain Lauderbaugh on Jan 12, 2016

CandlePat and Lain Lauderbaugh of Vancouver, WA send deepest condolences to Mark. ( We are sister and brother in law to Mark's brother Howard. ) We are so sorry to hear of this loss, of one so dear.

Alissa Stoehr on Jan 12, 2016

CandleI worked with Elizabeth and Mark during my time as a secretary in the department. Elizabeth had a great sense of humor, and deeply cared about her students. My thoughts are with Mark during this difficult time.

Jim & Susan Dow on Jan 12, 2016

Unser Beileid!, aus Wien.


World Languages and Cultures on Jan 12, 2016

World Languages and Cultures offers our condolences to Mark during these difficult moments.

Elizabeth was a caring and dedicated colleague who had great passion for helping students. She was passionate about improving the department and always willing to contribute to important department and college initiatives.

On a personal level, she was thoughtful, fun, and she had a great sense of humor and an absolute love for travel and cooking. Many of us had the good fortune to great stories about New Orleans, Germany, and other places she loved to visit.

We are deeply sorry for your loss.

Chad M. Gasta and Julia Domínguez, Sofía and Vic on Jan 12, 2016

Elizabeth was a wonderful friend and colleague, and we will miss her dearly. We celebrate her life and will forever remember her love of languages, travel and cuisine! Mark, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Pam Cooper on Jan 11, 2016

I'm so sorry for your loss. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Elizabeth at work and missed her after her retirement. Thinking of you.

Linda on Jan 11, 2016

My deepest condolences for your loss. The bible tells us that God will remember our dead loved ones and bring them back to the earth to enjoy life forever. Jo 5:28,29. Ps 37:11,29
God will wipe away all tears and death and pain will be no more. Rev 21:3,4.
May these hopes and the love and support of family and friends be of comfort to you now.

Rachel Haywood Ferreira and family on Jan 11, 2016

CandleElizabeth was a wonderful colleague and great fun to talk to. I'll miss her stories and her wit. Mark and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

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